You Spin Me Round Round

(CARLSBAD, CA) – “You spin me round round, baby round round.” It was a hit song in the 80s. And it was something we loved as kids. We’d spin round-and-round, joyous with laughter, as we’d collapse to the ground. But, it’s not so funny when it isn’t self-imposed, and when it begins to interfere with regular adult life.

Vertigo is the sensation of swaying, spinning, or whirling, while the body is actually stationary in space. It can affect people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. The National Institute of Health reports that 40 percent of American adults have experienced feelings of vertigo at least once in their lifetime. Most cases of vertigo can be categorized into one of the following three types.

BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when inner ear crystals detach from the membrane. The episodes, which typically last 10-20 seconds, usually begin with sudden head movements, such as bending over or getting out of bed. If you suspect a case of BPPV, an official diagnosis can be done at your doctor’s office, usually involving a hearing test and physical exam. If BPPV is found to be your culprit, then your doctor may perform maneuvers with your head to reposition the inner ear crystals.

Vestibular Neuritis – When a viral or bacterial infection enters the vestibular nerve, the result is a persistent vertigo, often combined with nausea and vomiting. The dizziness typically lasts for a few days, then symptoms subside over the course of a few weeks. Depending upon the severity of the disorder, a doctor may prescribe medication to wipeout the infection.

Meniere’s Disease – Most often caused by a fluid buildup in the inner ear, this long-lasting form of extreme vertigo can persist for hours or even days. It’s frequently accompanied by nausea and ringing in one ear, and can even lead to permanent hearing loss. Your doctor can diagnose Meniere’s Disease by taking your history and performing balance tests. Once diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease, it can be treated with a low-salt, no-caffeine, and no-alcohol diet. 

There is no way to prevent the onset of vertigo altogether. But, there are some precautions that you can take to protect yourself from fall-related injuries, which are common among people with vertigo. In fact, Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Inc., recommends regular balance exercises for all people, whether or not you currently suffer from vertigo. Practice standing on one foot or walk heel-toe-heel-toe as if you’re on a tightrope. Simple balance exercises will help improve muscle and bone strength. That way, when vertigo episodes occur, your body will be better prepared to stay upright.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com