Feeling Dizzy When Bending Over
Bending over is an activity you have to do daily. You will bend over to put on your socks, sit down at a desk, or make your bed. From dusk to dawn, bending is necessary. But what happens when you feel dizzy every time you bend over?
Dizziness can be a sign of dehydration or a medical condition like Meniere’s disease. It can affect your day, making it difficult to carry out your tasks. Fortunately, physical therapy can help with dizziness.
Kindly read further as we explore the causes of dizziness when bending over and how physical therapy in Garland, TX, can help.
Causes Of Dizziness When Bending Over
Dizziness when bending over can result from any of the following;
Poor Circulation
Your blood is always moving around your body, supplying oxygen and carrying wastes from different parts of the body. However, if your blood does not circulate properly, your brain may not get enough oxygen. Therefore, sudden movements like bending over and tilting your head may cause dizziness.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can cause brain cells to malfunction, leading to dizziness. This condition can occur if you do not eat enough or within several hours.
Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures how forcefully your blood goes through your arteries. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause dizziness because it reduces the flow of oxygenated blood to your brain.
Dehydration
If you do not have enough fluids in your body, you are likely to be dehydrated. Common causes include intense exercise, exposure to hot weather, illness, and long periods without drinking. Dehydration makes it difficult for your brain to function, so when you bend over, you may become dizzy.
Anemia
Anemia means that you have lower than normal red blood cells in circulation, and these cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Expectedly, anemia limits the amount of oxygen that gets to your brain, resulting in dizziness. You are likely anemic if you experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or pale skin.
Inner Ear Problems
Your inner ear regulates your sense of balance. If you have problems such as infections or injuries in the inner ear, you are likely to feel dizzy when you bend over. A common problem that can affect your inner ear is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
BPPV is a condition that occurs when the calcium particles in one part of your ear move to another part of your ear. This leads to vertigo and dizziness, especially when you bend over.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an ear disorder that can cause fluid buildup in your inner ear. This condition mostly affects one ear and may result from allergies, head injury, viral infection, or migraines. Mienere’s disease can cause hearing loss and dizzy spells.
At-Home Treatment For Dizziness When Bending Over
You can manage dizziness at home by staying hydrated. Aiming for at least 8 cups of water in a day if you are active or sweat a lot is advisable. You should also limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they increase dehydration.
You can also manage dizziness by slowly getting out of bed or from a lying position. Standing up suddenly can reduce your blood pressure and increase your risk of dizziness. In addition, getting enough rest and sleep can reduce your risk of dizziness when bending over.
It is important to note that you may be unable to treat dizziness at home. However, you can manage your symptoms. It is best to visit your doctor if your dizziness occurs frequently or if you experience accompanying symptoms like increased heart rate, double vision, and migraine headaches.
How Can Physical Therapy Help With Dizziness When Bending Over?
Vestibular rehabilitation in Garland, TX, can address problems with the inner ear to treat and prevent further dizziness. Your physical therapist will assess your condition and carry out some physical examinations to know the severity of your condition. They will then create a tailored treatment plan using your diagnosis to treat your condition.
Physical therapy for dizziness when bending over is progressive. Your physical therapist will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments as you heal. You will also learn about your triggers and how to prevent a recurrence.
Physical Therapy Exercises For Dizziness When Bending Over
Exercises are part of a physical therapy treatment plan for dizziness. These exercises are straightforward and will address problems in your inner ear. Your physical therapist will show you how to carry them out safely.
Physical therapy exercises for dizziness include;
Epley Maneuver
This maneuver is also known as canalith repositioning and helps address the symptoms of BPPV. The Epley maneuver aims to remove the calcium carbonate crystals from the semicircular canal of your inner ear to relieve dizziness.
How To Do The Epley Maneuver
- Sit on the edge of a bed
- Turn your head to the right at 45 degrees or as far as is comfortable
- Quickly lie back until your shoulders are on the pillow
- Maintain your position for 30 seconds after your dizziness subsides
- Turn your head till it is 45 degrees to the left without lifting it
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds
- Turn your head and body another 90 degrees into the bed till you are lying on your left side.
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds
- Slowly sit up
- Repeat on the other side
Semont Maneuver
The Semont maneuver also focuses on repositioning the canaliths in your ear to eliminate the dizziness. Before starting this treatment, your physical therapist will diagnose which of the ears the BPPV affects. Afterward, depending on the affected side, they will move you rapidly from one lying position to another.
How To Do The Semont Maneuver
- Sit on the edge of a bed with your legs hanging over the side
- Turn your head about 45 degrees away from the affected side
- Quickly move to a lying down position on the affected side. You should be looking at the ceiling. If you experience dizziness, maintain that position till it passes
- Once the dizziness passes, move back to the sitting position and quickly onto your other side. You should be looking at the floor. If you experience dizziness, maintain that position till it passes
- After the dizziness passes, move back into the sitting position
Conclusion
Dizziness when bending over can disrupt your day, making it difficult to carry out your tasks and affecting your quality of life. Fortunately, you can manage your symptoms and prevent a recurrence with treatment at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Garland Campbell. Our physical therapists are patient and ready to listen to you to create a tailored treatment plan.