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Technique to Help with Vertigo

Vertigo is the condition of having the constant sensation of falling or spinning. For some people, it is temporary and is brought on by stress; for others, it is always present. While medication is one option for treatment, another is a tilting exercise.

  1. The Epley Maneuver

    • Vertigo is a result of disease, infection or damage to the inner ear. Since the inner ear is what controls your sense of equilibrium, this causes the feeling that the room is spinning. The tilt exercise, also known as the Epley maneuver, is used to redistribute the calcium carbonate within the inner ears.

    Position

    • Get into position by lying on the floor or a bed. Tilt your head to the left side, so the right ear is facing toward the ceiling. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Next, tilt your head to the right side, so the left ear is facing toward the ceiling. Hold this position for 20 seconds. It is important to move slowly through these motions. Going too fast can result in further nausea and dizziness.

    Getting Into the Habit

    • For best results, perform this exercise five times in the morning and five times at night. That means tilting the head to the left and the right five times for 20 seconds each. Between each of the five times the head tilt is performed, take a 30-second break. By taking time to rest, you are helping keep the vertigo from getting worse during the actual exercise.

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