Do you need vertigo relief?
MSK Health and Performance is the answer!
Do you ever get dizzy while doing everyday tasks? Do you have trouble focusing on one thing for long periods, or do you feel tired, lightheaded, or nauseous? You may be experiencing vertigo. Our physiotherapists at MSK Health and Performance in Vancouver Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver and Burnaby Metrotown can evaluate your condition and help you find relief, sometimes in minutes!
Vertigo patients typically describe an overwhelming sense of being off balance. It can make you feel like you’re moving or spinning even when you’re not. If the condition is severe, it can cause sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Others may experience difficulty focusing their eyes or ringing in their ears.
It’s important to understand that vertigo is not a disease in itself — it’s a symptom of an underlying issue, often related to your vestibular system, but sometimes caused by more serious central nervous system disorders.
To find long-term vertigo relief, book an appointment with MSK Health and Performance.
How to recognize vertigo symptoms
Vertigo is frequently caused by a malfunction in your inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.” Your vestibular system assists you in maintaining your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain about your current position or movements.
When your vestibular system is compromised, the messages sent to your brain are altered, and your movement suffers. You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, as if you can’t focus your vision for long periods of time, or as if you can’t stand/move properly without feeling as if you’ll topple over.
When your body’s equilibrium is disrupted, vertigo is a natural reaction. This is difficult to manage because it disrupts your daily routine.
In more severe cases, vertigo can be a sign of a medical condition that requires immediate evaluation by a medical practitioner.
Seek emergency care if you develop vertigo with any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs.
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Sudden, severe headache
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- A sense of fullness in the ears
If you recognize these symptoms, see a physiotherapist, registered massage therapist or chiropractor in Vancouver Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver or Burnaby Metrotown as soon as possible. Please click here to make an appointment with MSK Health and Performance.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by issues in the peripheral vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Less frequently, it may stem from problems in the central vestibular system, which is located in the brain (cerebellum). The following are some of the most common causes of vertigo:
Peripheral Causes (Most Common):
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by tiny calcium crystals dislodging and floating in the inner ear canal, disrupting balance signals.
- Meniere’s Disease: Fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness.
- Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear, often triggered by infection.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, affecting balance and causing vertigo.
Central Causes:
Less commonly, vertigo can stem from central nervous system issues such as:
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Vascular disease
- Traumatic brain injury
At MSK, we work with your primary care provider if we suspect a more serious central cause behind your vertigo.
How Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care Help Vertigo?
Many people are surprised to learn that physiotherapy and chiropractic care can effectively treat vertigo — especially when it stems from peripheral causes. At MSK Health and Performance, our goal is to help you regain control of your balance and reduce your risk of falls.
Here’s how we treat vertigo:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A specialized form of physiotherapy that includes gaze stabilization exercises, head movements, and balance training tailored to your needs.
- Repositioning Maneuvers (for BPPV): We use specific techniques (like the Epley maneuver) to reposition inner ear crystals and reduce symptoms.
- Balance Training: Improve your overall balance and coordination to lower the risk of falling.
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle spinal manipulations can sometimes relieve vertigo symptoms, particularly if they’re linked to neck or upper spine issues.
- Core Strengthening and Conditioning Programs: Weak core muscles can affect your posture and balance. We’ll build a custom program to strengthen key muscle groups.
- Patient Education: We teach you how to identify and manage your triggers, give you at-home strategies, and help you understand the root of your vertigo.
Why MSK for your Vertigo Treatment?
Our team has advanced training in treating vestibular conditions. We take a comprehensive approach to care, starting with a detailed history and assessment to ensure you’re getting the treatment that’s right for the type of vertigo you have. If physiotherapy or chiropractic care isn’t the right fit, we’ll help connect you with the right medical provider.
Are you ready to overcome your vertigo?
For vertigo relief, contact our Vancouver & Burnaby chiro & physio clinics!
Vertigo can disrupt your daily activities and make even the most basic tasks difficult. Fortunately, the physiotherapists and chiropractors at MSK Health and Performance have extensive experience diagnosing and treating vertigo.
Vertigo may not be life-threatening, but it can severely impact your quality of life — limiting your ability to work, socialize, and stay active. Our experts will evaluate your condition and make treatment recommendations to address your concerns while restoring function and providing long-term relief. Make an appointment today so we can assist you in getting back on your feet, steady and secure!
Follow The Next Steps:
Book Your Appointment Online
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life!