Other Causes of Dizziness – Part 2: More about Physical Therapy and Dizziness
By Alison Alexander, DPT,
In Part 1 of this blog post, we talked about medical conditions that can cause or contribute to a feeling of dizziness. There are also a number of causes for dizziness that don’t originate with a medical condition. Rather, this is the type of dizziness that can be treated by physical therapy alone – and often do not require medical intervention.When you’re ready to schedule your appointment at MPLS Health & Wellness NE, simply call us at 612-750-7168 or visit our online appointment page.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
This is a disorder in which the crystals (otoconia) of your inner ear become dislodged from their rightful place in the otolith organ and begin to float around the canals of the inner ear. This causes over stimulation of your cells that sense head position, which results in dizziness/vertigo or the “room spinning” sensation.
- Symptoms
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- Dizziness/vertigo/”room spinning” sensation when changing positions
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
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- Treatment
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- For this type of vertigo, SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST! We will be able to take you through a series of positions which will help to put that crystal (otoconia) back where it belongs! This may work as fast as 1-2 treatments. If you continue to have balance issues or unsteadiness, you may see your physical therapist for longer to continue to improve those symptoms as well.
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Cervicogenic Dizziness
This is imbalance/unsteadiness, dizziness, vertigo, or the sensation of the world spinning around you which is caused by the neck.
- Symptoms
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- Imbalance/unsteadiness
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Limited neck motion
- Neck pain
- Headache
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- Treatment
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- SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST! Your physical therapist will be able to work on the muscles and joints of your neck to improve pain and motion. If the imbalance/unsteadiness or dizziness persists, your therapist will be able to take you through a series of exercises to improve gaze stability.
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Concussion
This is a traumatic brain injury often from a blow to the head, including a fall, car crash, or fight.
- Symptoms
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- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue/sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor balance
- Mental confusion
- Amnesia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
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- Treatment
Following proper medical management and diagnosis, symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, lack of focus, headaches, and more may persist. A physical therapist can help with these! There are many places in the Twin Cities that specialize in post-concussion care. Your therapist will help you to improve your gaze stability, concentration, neck stability, and eye tracking abilities.
Part 1 of this article is here.
About the Author
Alison Alexander, DPT, earned her doctoral degree in Physical Therapy in 2018 from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the past year, she has pursued advanced training in the treatment of vestibular conditions such as vertigo (BPPV) and dizziness. In addition to her exceptional knowledge and training with vestibular conditions, Alison is well-versed in treating chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain.
Still Curious About Chiropractic and Physical Therapy? We’d Love to Educate You.
Chiropractic medicine has countless benefits. To schedule a consultation or learn more about what this amazing branch of medicine can do for you, give Minneapolis Health and Wellness a call today at 612-750-7168.
