Cervicogenic Dizziness And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises For Those With Cervicogenic Vertigo

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

     Many people suffer with Cervicogenic dizziness which can be helped with senior balance exercises. Please see  http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Cervicogenic dizziness tends to be a controversial diagnosis because there are no diagnostic tests to confirm that it is the cause of the dizziness.  Cervicogenic vertigo is a common diagnosis seen in physical therapy. Cervicogenic dizziness is a diagnosis that is provided to people who have neck injury or pain as well as dizziness and in whom other causes of dizziness, such as a viral infection or benign positional proxsymal vertigo,  have been ruled out.People with cervicogenic dizziness tend to complain of dizziness that is worse during head movements or after maintaining one head position for a long time. As an example, dizziness can occur when bending over to tie ones shoes or look back to check traffic while driving. The dizziness usually occurs after an episode of neck pain and may be accompanied by a headache. Often the dizziness will decrease if the neck pain decreases. The symptoms of dizziness usually last minutes to hours. People with cervicogenic dizziness may also complain of general imbalance that may increase with head movements and with movement in the environment. Although no formal studies have been completed, true cervicogenic dizziness is thought to be rare. An evaluation for cervicogenic dizziness involves a thorough medical evaluation because the symptoms are similar to other causes of dizziness. Testing of inner ear function is usually requested to ensure that the peripheral or central vestibular system is intact. A health care practitioner, like a physical therapist,  may perform a maneuver in which the body is turned while the head is held fixed to see if it causes nystagmus (eye movements) or dizziness to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Additionally, by palpating the cervical spine and taking the neck through range of motion tests, a physical therapist can also confirm a diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness. Cervicogenic dizziness often occurs as a result of whiplash or head injury and is often seen in conjunction with brain injury or injury to the inner ear. At times, it is often difficult to distinguish between cervicogenic dizziness and other medical problems. Cervicogenic dizziness that occurs in conjunction with brain injury or another form of dizziness will be more difficult to diagnose and treat.  The majority of patients with cervicogenic dizziness improve with treatments of the neck problem, dizziness and balance issues.  Several studies have reported that approximately 75 percent of patients improve with conservative treatment of the neck such as medication, gentle mobilization, balance exercise, stretches, and instruction in proper posture and use of the neck.For other patients, improvement involves treatment of the neck problem in addition to vestibular therapy. To be specific, Vestibular rehabilitation is quite comprehensive and is directed at what problems are found on evaluation and may include eye exercises, balance exercises, walking, and graded exposure to environments that make you dizzy.

Senior Balance Exercises For Cervicogenic Dizziness

     One aspect of vestibular rehabilitation, which treats cervicogenic dizziness,  is practicing senior balance exercises. One of the best ways to diminish the symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness is to focus on the sense of touch between your feet and the floor. By concentrating on that sensory input, the balance system in the brain is able to anchor the body and reduce any sense of imbalance. You can practice specific stability strategies and senior balance exercises with a knowledgeable Physical Therapist by following along with the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    For anyone diagnosed with cervicogenic vertigo, there is help for you by beginning the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The easy to follow Balance DVD is an exceptional tool to use at home or in a group setting. The Exercise For Balance DVD is loaded with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like getting out of a chair safely, walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like playing golf, dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

If you suffer with cervicogenic dizziness, start balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/