Balance issues still unresolved 3 years down the line

[alan31]

Thankyou both so much for your swift replies. To clarify a couple of points: I have only experienced vertigo on a handfull of occasions, my symptoms being restricted to a car sickness like dizziness without actually experiencing the spinning thing. I usually get a brief, mild episode of vertigo when I lie back on a dentists/chiros bed, flat on my back; this goes after approx 10 secs. I also experienced this after swimming freestyle, after which I stopped swimming. It may be worth noting I took up swimming, which I did nearly every day, about 6 months before falling ill - is there potential for poor technique and lack of stretching to cause problems? Regarding the tinnitus, I have had a high pitched hissing noise in both ears for approx 2.5 years; this is accompanied by my ears being blocked, or full. On a few occasions, after neck adjustment which have left me feeling particuarly good, (this will sound weird) my left ear gets a kind of cool sensation through it for a day or so. Eustachian tube opening?I briefly mentioned in my last post how I was treated for TMJ due to a crossbite - the NMD who undertook the treatment performed kinesiology testing showed that my jaw was effecting my balance (I had much more strength biting a pencil than not biting a pencil).However, we did 6 months of treatment to the letter, and absolutely no change occured. Based on this, I would be pleased to rule out the problem coming from my jaw, except for the fact that I think my left disc is dislocated from the TMJ, as I can feel it. I know the can press against the middle ear and cause problems. I should say, however, I have absolutely no jaw pain or headaches. Regarding my posture, I have a anterior head carriage (doing chin tucks), sway back and a "duck bum". I was not aware my posture until about a year ago when I started to research this properly, so am unsure how long I have been this way. To be honest, I feel lost with all this.....I have been trying so hard with various stretching programmes, ice, pilates, buteyko technique, all the health care providors under the sun and more cash then I could ever afford, and.......very little progress. The only positive change I have experienced has been through the neck treatments. Thankyou again for your advice, it is hugely appreciated! I will now go and look up the Epley manoevre, and get my wife to check for trigger points!

Many thanks,

Alan

[MrPhysio+]

Thanks Alan,
The following may be of assistance. I can send you more info if you let me know your email address.
Title: Vertigo: Quick and Easy Treatment
"Vertigo: Quick and Easy Treatment"
ST. PAUL, Minn -- May 26, 2008 -- A new guideline developed by the American
Academy of Neurology (AAN) found that the best treatment for vertigo is the easiest
and quickest one. The guideline on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), an
inner ear disorder that is a common cause of dizziness, is published in the May 27
issue of [Neurology, the medical journal of the AAN.
BPPV is believed to be caused by loose calcium carbonate crystals that move in the
sensing tubes of the inner ear. The maneuvers move the calcium crystals out of the
sensing tube and into another inner chamber of the ear, from which they can be
absorbed.
In many cases BPPV can be treated with simple maneuvers, such as a series of head
and body movements performed by a doctor or therapist while the patient sits on a
bed or table. There are several maneuvers currently in use for vertigo. The guideline
found that canalith repositioning procedure, also called the Epley maneuver, is safe
and effective for people of all ages. The Semont maneuver may be an effective
treatment as well.
The guideline also evaluated whether restrictions on activity are needed after the
maneuvers are performed. "There is no clear evidence to support these restrictions,
which include sleeping upright and wearing a cervical collar," said Terry D. Fife, MD,
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology Vertigo and Ataxia Clinic, University
Neurology Clinic, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, and
Director, Arizona Balance Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, also in Phoenix.
The guideline also reviewed whether patients can perform the maneuvers safely and
effectively at home. "Having patients treat themselves using home exercises seems to
pose little risk, but there is not sufficient evidence that this is as effective as
maneuvers done by a doctor or therapist," said guideline author Dr. Fife.
"The good news is that this type of vertigo is easily treated," said Dr. Fife. "Instead of
telling patients to 'wait it out' or having them take drugs, we can perform a safe and
quick treatment that is immediate and effective."
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology