Vertigo is a general term used to describe uncontrolled sensations of whirling or spinning that stem from problems with your sense of balance or internal equilibrium. While individual attacks of vertigo are relatively short-term, the condition can recur over time, or become chronic. The best head exercises for vertigo vary according to the underlying cause of the condition.
Vertigo Basics
Vertigo is a not a distinct ailment, but rather a symptom of several different disorders, known collectively as peripheral or central vestibular disorders. One common vestibular disorder, called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV, occurs when tiny crystals called canaliths become dislodged from their normal position inside your inner ear. Another disorder, called Meniere’s disease, occurs when you develop fluctuating pressure in your inner ear fluid. A third disorder, called vestibular neuritis, occurs when you develop inflammation in certain inner ear nerves. Some people with vertigo feel like they’re spinning in relation to their environment, while others feel like their environment spins around them.
Canalith Repositioning Exercises
If you have BPPV, the best exercises for your condition are designed to restore the canaliths in your inner ear to their normal position, according to the American Academy of Neurology. Together, these exercises are known as the Epley maneuver, or as a canalith repositioning procedure. During the procedure, a physical therapist or doctor maneuvers your head and body through a series of positions that work your canaliths back into place. After you learn these positions, you can also perform them on your own, although doctors don’t know yet if self-treatment provides the same level of benefit as treatment in a professional setting.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
If you have another disorder that causes chronic vertigo, you will likely undergo a form of exercise-based treatment called vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT. During VRT, a physical therapist will teach you to move your head and body in certain ways designed to retrain your perception and reduce your sensitivity to vertigo’s disorienting effects. VRT programs are typically customized, and your doctor and physical therapist can help you determine the best set of exercises for your particular situation. Most people learn their VRT routine in a professional setting, then perform the exercises on their own at home.
Considerations
Some people who have BPPV also participate in VRT programs. Initially, both canalith repositioning and VRT can trigger a worsening of your vertigo symptoms. However, as your body adjusts to these exercises, your sense of heightened disorientation will typically fade away. The long-term success of VRT depends on a number of factors, including your age, level of physical fitness, motor skills, coordination, ability to follow complex instructions and general health. Consult your doctor for more information on head exercises for vertigo.
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