Vertigo When Exercising: Feeling of Dizziness
When exercising with some of my clients, they mention that they get dizzy while doing abdominal crunches, when bending forward or looking up to the ceiling, lying down, getting up in the morning or even rolling over in bed. If you exhibit any of these symptoms then you are suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). If you still want to work your abdominal muscles without feeling dizzy then plank is a good alternative. You should also talk to your doctor or physiotherapist certified in vestibular rehabilitation if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
BPPV occurs when there is “debris” or more specifically a calcium carbonate crystal, which has been displaced within the inner ear. When that crystal detaches from its specific structure and moves in the inner ear, it can upset your balance, equilibrium and sense of motion.
There are multiple causes for these crystals to be displaced such as trauma (fall, hit to the head, whiplash), high dose antibiotics, age and extreme changes in barometric pressure. Treatment for BPPV is very effective and consists of repositioning the crystal in the inner ear.This is done through a series of head and body positions, which will move the crystals away from the sensitive hair cells within the inner ear.
Robina Palmer is a registered physiotherapist and co-owner of Sun City Physiotherapy in Kelowna and can treat these vertigo symptoms.Contact her to reserve your seat: 250-861-8056 or [email protected]