As the gentle warmth of spring reawakens the earth, a less welcomed resurgence also occurs for many individuals—Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Interestingly, medical practitioners have observed a spike in BPPV cases as the seasons change, particularly in spring. This phenomenon, while not fully understood, is speculated to be related to various factors, including barometric pressure changes, increased outdoor activity, and perhaps even seasonal allergies and sinus pressure affecting the inner ear.
These symptoms can feel very dramatic where the whole room is spinning or be milder where a person feels brief episodes of unsteadiness. Regardless of the cause or intensity, physical therapy stands out as a beacon of relief for those experiencing this disorienting condition.
Understanding BPPV
BPPV is the most common vestibular disorder, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo related to changes in head position. This condition is caused by dislodged otoconia—tiny calcium carbonate crystals that normally reside in the utricle of the inner ear. When these crystals migrate into one or more of the semicircular canals, they disrupt the normal fluid movement these canals use to sense head rotation, leading to the sensation of spinning or movement that characterizes vertigo. These sensations leave individuals at very high risk for falls or injury, which is why they need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Pain & Movement Solutions: A Path to Stability
All physical therapists at Pain & Movement Solutions are able to provide Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), which is a highly effective treatment for vertigo. It involves specific maneuvers and exercises designed to move the dislodged crystals back to their correct position in the utricle, where they no longer cause vertigo.
Pain & Movement Solutions will offer you an appointment within 24 hours so that you can get feeling better faster. Relief of your symptoms will be experienced within 1-3 visits, and most patients feel a markable improvement within the first session.
If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, call Pain & Movement Solutions at 605-219-8888 to receive treatment quickly to keep yourself safe and return to a better quality of life.