Why Am I Dizzy? How Osteopathy May Help Vertigo
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or as though the room is spinning can be frustrating and unsettling. Vertigo and dizziness may affect balance, daily activities, and overall well-being.
Because dizziness can have many different causes, proper medical assessment is important. Some individuals also choose osteopathic care as part of their overall health and wellness plan to address musculoskeletal factors such as mobility, posture, and tension.
At Pelham Massage Therapy & Osteopathy Clinic, we provide osteopathic care for residents of Fonthill, Pelham, Welland, Thorold, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fenwick, Smithville, and the surrounding Niagara Region.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that can create the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving, spinning, or tilting when no actual movement is occurring.
Common symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
A spinning sensation
Unsteadiness or loss of balance
Feeling pulled to one side
Nausea or motion sensitivity
Difficulty focusing visually
Symptoms triggered by certain head movements or changes in position
Vertigo is often associated with conditions involving the inner ear or vestibular system, which play an important role in balance and spatial awareness.
What Can Cause Dizziness and Vertigo?
Dizziness and vertigo can have many possible causes, including:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Inner ear conditions
Vestibular disorders
Certain medications
Dehydration
Blood pressure changes
Head or neck injuries
Migraine
Neurological conditions
Other medical conditions
Neck tension, reduced cervical mobility, and postural strain may also occur alongside dizziness in some individuals, although these factors do not necessarily cause vertigo.
Because dizziness can sometimes be related to a serious medical condition, it is important to consult an appropriate healthcare professional for assessment and diagnosis.
Where Does Osteopathy Fit In?
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners assess musculoskeletal function throughout the body, including mobility, posture, joint movement, and soft-tissue tension.
For someone experiencing dizziness or vertigo, osteopathic treatment does not replace medical assessment or treatment for an underlying vestibular, neurological, or other medical condition.
An osteopathic assessment may identify musculoskeletal factors such as neck mobility, posture, jaw movement, upper-back mobility, or surrounding soft-tissue tension that can be addressed as part of an individual's overall care.
Treatment is based on the findings of the assessment and the individual's needs.
Areas That May Be Assessed
Cervical Spine Mobility
The neck contains joints, muscles, and sensory structures involved in movement and position awareness.
An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner may assess cervical mobility and address musculoskeletal restrictions or tension identified during the examination.
Posture
Posture and prolonged positions, including desk work, driving, or frequent phone use, can contribute to muscular tension and altered movement patterns.
Postural assessment may help identify areas of strain or reduced mobility that can be addressed through manual treatment.
Upper Back and Rib Cage Mobility
The thoracic spine and rib cage contribute to overall movement and posture.
An osteopathic assessment may include evaluating mobility in these areas and addressing restrictions that are relevant to the individual's presentation.
Muscle and Soft-Tissue Tension
Tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and upper back may occur alongside other symptoms.
Manual techniques may be used to address soft-tissue tension and support comfortable movement.
Whole-Body Assessment
Osteopathic care often considers how different areas of the musculoskeletal system move and function together rather than focusing only on one location.
Treatment is individualized according to the findings of the assessment.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Dizziness and vertigo can sometimes be associated with serious medical conditions.
Seek immediate medical attention if dizziness or vertigo occurs with symptoms such as:
Sudden severe headache
Difficulty speaking
Facial drooping
Weakness or numbness
Chest pain
Loss of consciousness
Sudden vision changes
New or significant difficulty walking
Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
If dizziness is new, persistent, unexplained, or worsening, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional for assessment.
What to Expect During an Osteopathic Assessment
Your Osteopathic Manual Practitioner may ask about:
Your symptoms and health history
When the dizziness occurs
Previous injuries or accidents
Activities that aggravate or ease your symptoms
Postural habits
Daily activities and lifestyle factors
A physical assessment may include evaluating:
Neck mobility
Posture
Jaw movement
Upper-back and rib-cage mobility
General musculoskeletal movement patterns
Treatment recommendations are based on the findings of the assessment and your individual needs.
Osteopathic Care in Fonthill, Pelham & Niagara Region
If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, medical assessment is important to help determine the possible cause.
For individuals who also have musculoskeletal concerns such as neck tension, restricted mobility, or postural strain, osteopathic care may be considered as part of a broader care plan.
At Pelham Massage Therapy & Osteopathy Clinic, osteopathic assessments and treatments are individualized according to each person's presentation and goals.
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Published by Pelham Massage Therapy & Osteopathy Clinic Inc.