My head is spinning: Treating vertigo with physical therapy

Vertigo refers to the sensation of motion – a whirling and loss of balance. Vertigo sufferers feel that they or their surroundings are spinning, even if perfectly still. If you experience vertigo regularly, you are not alone. It’s an extremely common condition, especially as we age. This sensation is highly disturbing and upsetting. Also, vertigo increases fall risk and the serious injuries associated with falls. Vertigo varies in intensity from person to person. For some, the sensation is so debilitating that it can spur a trip the nearest emergency room. Others deal with this sensation as a benign, but chronic, annoyance. Those with vertigo often experience dizziness, and sometimes, nausea. Often, vertigo starts immediately following a head movement, and it doesn’t take much. Just turning in bed or tilting back the head can trigger episodic vertigo. Many vertigo sufferers have sought out medical care to address their problems, often without [...]