Causes:
There are many different causes of dizziness but one of the main culprits is the inner ear where the vestibular system is located. The vestibular system is in charge of telling your brain where your head is in space. Whether you are standing up, bending over, or shaking your head around the vestibular system detects the movements and helps you maintain your balance.
Prevalence:
42% of the population will complain of dizziness at least once in their lifetime (NIH). Dizziness or imbalance is a common reason for visiting a primary care physician with an average of 8 million visits a year. Often times these doctor visits end with prescriptions that don’t always take care of the problem. Thankfully, this dizziness is commonly caused by the inner ear and can be cured with exercise.
Dizziness is not a normal occurrence with aging, but the chances of having an inner ear problem that results in dizziness do increase in people over the age of 60. This dizziness may contribute to falls in the elderly that lead to broken bones, living in nursing homes, and sometimes fatalities.
Treatment:
A physical therapist can take you through a vestibular rehabilitation exercise program that will stop the dizziness within 1 to 3 treatments.
Whiplash is a traumatic event that forcefully jerks the head and neck, including the inner ear. Patients that have experienced whiplash from a car accident or other traumatic event will benefit from being screened for vestibular disorders as well.
So if you are having a difficult time walking, sleeping, or moving around don’t let dizziness get you down, give us a call today!
If you would like more information about vestibular disorders or to talk with a physical therapist contact us at:
Align Therapy
801-980-0860
info@aligntherapy.com
Jocelyn Hopkins SPT
