Vertigo is a sudden sensation of movement or a dizzy spell that occurs even when you're standing still and haven't been moving in a circular motion. The most common form of vertigo is a simple sensation that occurs after your body has been in motion. If you suffer from chronic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, you don't need to be in motion for vertigo to affect you. Instead, it's the result of an inner ear injury that can make the world spin. The only types of exercise that can help improve this type of vertigo are those that help you practice your balance.
Balance Exercises
Methods of exercise that allow you to utilize balance can help improve your vertigo. The problem is, some balance-related exercises can be dangerous if you suffer from dizziness and practice unsupervised. When choosing a balance fitness method, look for one that allows you to stay grounded on a mat. Yoga is especially appropriate for vertigo sufferers, as it allows you to work on your balance from the safety of a mat. Before you take a yoga class, tell the instructor you suffer from vertigo so she can keep a watchful eye on your form and safety.
Supervised Physical Therapy
Certain physical therapies can be used in order to improve chronic vertigo so it's less of a problem. A physical therapist may be utilized to lead you through various activities that help to reduce your symptoms. During physical therapy, you may be asked to perform a variety of exercises that actually make your vertigo worse to teach your brain to compensate for the dizziness. Exercises may include rotating the head side to side as you practice walking or moving your eyes rapidly around the room while you attempt to balance.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Brandt-Daroff Exercises are a series of movements meant to help with the dizziness associated with chronic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the type of vertigo that is associated with an inner ear injury. The exercises are designed to help you quickly find relief when you experience vertigo. Start by sitting upright on the edge of a bed or exercise mat. Without moving your legs, lie your torso down onto the bed or mat and turn your face to the ceiling. Hold the position for 30 seconds, then come back to the start position and hold for 30 seconds. Then, repeat on the other side. Continue the exercise until your dizziness has subsided.
Walking
The Vestibular Disorders Association also suggests following a low impact exercise routine. If walking is part of that routine, always use a cane or the buddy system in the event of a sudden loss of balance. While a low impact exercise routine won't fix your inner ear vertigo, particularly if it's caused by inner ear problems, it can help make you feel more comfortable managing your symptoms on a day-to-day basis. If balance and physical therapy exercises don't help your symptoms, talk to your doctor. Certain surgical methods can be applied to help you find relief.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; May 2010
- University of Iowa; Vertigo: Frequently Asked Questions; Jay Rubinstein
- Vestibular Disorders Association: Home-Based Exercise
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
- "Alternative Therapies"; James Dallas Jardine; 2001
