Vertigo sufferers know that feeling your entire world spinning, while your body is stationary, can be an awful experience. A simple 5 step maneuver has been shown in research to be just as effective as the manipulations from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or medical doctor alike have been doing in clinics for years.
No worries, we’ve got you covered. Skip down the page if you want the steps now.
The most common cause of vertigo is called BPPV: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, triggered by specific changes in the position of the head. Small particles can make their way from the utricle in the inner ear to the spinning sensors in the semicircular canal. These crystals get lodged in the semicircular canal and begin to shift as your head moves, hitting all of the spinning sensors.
Difficult to treat and with no concrete cure, chronic vertigo can severely impact lives. For this reason, sufferers need to be able to practice self-maintenance techniques to lessen their symptoms when necessary.
Many people experiencing vertigo will visit a medical doctor, chiropractor or physiotherapist for the Epley’s Maneuver, a technique used to reposition the crystals in your ears. Now, a new technique called the Half Somersault Maneuver has been proven equally effective, and can be done at home without the help of a medical professional.
The Half Somersault Maneuver
After each transition, allow any dizziness to subside before moving into the next position. When dizziness is not present at a particular step, hold that position for 15 seconds. You may need to repeat the half somersault maneuver 3-5 times for full relief.
1. Sit down on your heels with your hands bracing the floor in front of you.
2. Quickly tilt your head backwards.
3. Drop your head forward slowly and stop when tucked slightly between the knees.
4. Turn your head towards 45 degrees towards the affected side (the side which causes more spinning), facing the elbow.
5. While keeping the head turned 45 degrees, slowly extend your head back to shoulder level.
6. Keep your head turned 45 degrees and slowly sit back on your heels, fully upright.
If you know someone suffering from vertigo, be sure to share this technique
-Dr. Justin Guy, Oakville Chiropractor
