Vertigo is manageable with these exercises

Vertigo comes with a feeling as if the entire room suddenly starts spinning around you. Out of all vertigos, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness. It roughly accounts for 17% to 42% of all vertigo cases.

Fortunately, BPPV is treatable. In my clinic, I have applied the Semont Manoeuvre on my BPPV patient and have found a drastic effect within two to three days. Those who have not benefited from this have found the vestibular rehab exercises immensely beneficial.

Unlike the Semont Manoeuvre, Vestibular rehab exercises do not give instant relief, but in the long run, they benefit the vertigo sufferer.

We will discuss all these things, and I will also share the link to the videos on these so that you can easily learn it. At the end, I will also introduce a TENS device specifically designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which benefits these patients.

But, in the first place, why does your head spin, and what is the role of our inner ear in it?

Inside your inner ear, there are three fluid-filled semicircular canals. They are aligned with each other in a manner that one lies in the x-axis, the second in the y-axis and the third in the z-axis. 

Whenever our head moves, let’s say, I'm tilting my head backwards, my head is moving on the z-axis. This moves the fluid inside the semicircular canal along the z-axis.

The movement of liquid triggers and moves the signal ot brain about the position of the head, and the body maintains the balance. I have discussed this in detail in one of my posts, which I highly recommend you go through, ‘Why do we get dizzy when we spin? Due to ears?

In vertigo, often tiny calcium crystals from the utricle get dislodged and float into these canals. When you move your head, these floating crystals move the fluid, sending false signals to your brain that you are spinning when you’re actually still. 

This "conflicting message" is what causes the illusion of the surroundings spinning, typically lasting less than one minute.

The Semont maneuver for vertigo is a series of body positions designed to guide those loose crystals back to their rightful place. Research shows this technique can cure over 90% of cases within just four sessions.

How to do it at home:

Tip: For best results, repeat this sequence three times a row, three times a day for three days.

While maneuvers move the crystals, Vestibular rehabilitation training focuses on gaze stability and postural balance to help your brain adjust to movement.

If you feel unsteady on your feet, these exercises can help you regain confidence:

Vertigo sufferers often hold their necks stiffly to avoid dizziness, which leads to muscle tension. Relieving this stiffness is vital for recovery.

If your dizziness is linked to vestibular migraines—which often include light sensitivity and nausea—a high-tech solution is emerging. Recent studies highlighted Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) using a device called GammaCore. Placing this device against the neck for two minutes has been shown to reduce vertigo intensity by 47% and headache pain by over 63%.

While the Semont maneuver can provide relief in just a few days, a full recovery of your balance system typically requires 6 to 8 weeks of daily practice. Temporary worsening of dizziness is normal during the first 30 minutes of exercise as your system adjusts.

When to See a Doctor: Seek immediate medical help if your vertigo is accompanied by a severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, or leg weakness.

Ready to take control? You can download a comprehensive Vertigo Rehabilitation PDF featuring illustrated, step-by-step guides for all 10 proven exercises to keep handy during your home practice.