The 4 Best Vertigo Maneuvers for Instant Relief

A great many people suffer from occasional, and sometimes constant, bouts of vertigo and dizziness. When these occur, they might be mildly disorienting, or they can be so severe that the individual has difficulty standing up and maintaining balance.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most frequent vestibular disorders. It is caused when tiny crystals of calcium become loose inside your ear. It affects people aged 60 and above more than any other age group, and it is usually caused by certain head movements or change in posture. If this is the type of vertigo you’re experiencing, there are some maneuvers you can do at home to help relieve these symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.

Vertigo Maneuvers

This list of vertigo maneuvers is often suggested by doctors for treating vertigo, as you’ll need to know what type of vertigo you have, and which ear has the problem to determine the best maneuvers to use. In this article, we’re going to cover 4 vertigo maneuvers that can help with your vertigo and provide relief.

The Epley Maneuver

The Epley maneuver involves a series of head movements specifically to relieve symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. It does so by moving the canaliths out of the canals, so they stop causing vertigo symptoms. To perform this maneuver:

  • Begin by sitting on a bed.
  • Next, turn your head 45 degrees to the left or right, depending on the side causing the vertigo.
  • Then, you will need to lie back quickly, keeping your head turned. Your shoulders should end up on the pillow, and your head should be reclined then wait about 30 seconds.
  • Turn your head about 90 degrees to the opposite direction, do not raise it. Your head will then be looking 45 degrees in that direction. Then wait another 30 seconds.
  • Continue to your head and body another 90 degrees in the same direction, into the bed. Once again, allow 30 seconds to pass.
  • Finally, sit up on the side you’re facing.

Most of the time, vertigo symptoms go away right after the maneuver is complete. In some cases, it may take multiple tries. Once the symptoms go away, there is no need to keep doing the maneuver. If you experience any new symptoms after performing this maneuver, contact a doctor. You may be performing the maneuver improperly. 

The Foster Maneuver

This is also known as the half somersault. It does not require the assistance of a bed or another person, making it one of the easiest exercises for vertigo.

  • Start by kneeling and placing your hands on the floor.
  • Tilt your head up and backward, waiting until any dizziness passes
  • Place your forehead on the floor and tuck your chin inward toward your knees
  • Turn your head 45 degrees to face your elbow (the direction you face is determined by which ear is being affected, so your left elbow for your left ear). Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Keep your head at 45 degrees, then raise your head until it’s level with your back and shoulders and hold the position for 30 seconds.
  • Finally, raise your head to a fully upright position.

You might need to repeat the maneuver a handful of times to start feeling relief. You should wait about 15 minutes between attempts. 

The Semont Maneuver

The Semont maneuver is usually done with the help of a doctor or physical therapist and involves rapid movement from one side to another. 

  • Sitting on the edge of a bed, turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
  • Quickly lie down on your left side, staying still for 30 seconds.
  • Then, quickly move to lie down on the opposite end of the bed without changing the direction of your head.
  • Keep your head at a 45-degree angle and lie for 30 seconds.
  • Return slowly to sitting and wait a few minutes.
  • Repeat the steps by starting with your head turned to the left.

You can do this maneuver up to 3 times daily until vertigo symptoms subside.

Our Recommended Maneuver for Vertigo

This is a maneuver that we use here at Align Wellness Center, and it is one that helps to regulate and balance out some of the particles that may be loose in the vestibular canals in the ear, causing vertigo.

  • Start off by standing up with a firm chair with arms behind you.
  • Bring your head down as far as you can manage between your legs, staying there until the dizziness is gone. Hold for about 30 seconds.
  • Quickly move to a seated position. Wait about 30 seconds.

If none of these vertigo maneuvers manages to do the trick, I’ve created a 5-step guide to help you get out of vertigo spins fast.

vertigo maneuvers

Getting Treatment for Vertigo

At Align Wellness Center, we’ve seen great results in helping people to manage their vertigo without drugs, surgery, or these maneuvers. If you want to see if we can help you, feel free to give us a call, and if you or someone you know is experiencing vertigo, be sure to share this with them.

We have helped thousands of people to restore alignment within their body and eliminate their vertigo for good. If you haven’t had your spine looked at by a corrective chiropractor, your vertigo could be caused by this. 

We offer an in-depth exam to determine exactly what we can do to help with as much detail for you as possible. It is called the 3-Dimensional BioStructural Analysis, and the process involves the following:  

  • Timeline history
  • Digital posture exam
  • 3-Dimensional posture exam
  • Chiropractic, Neurological, and Physical Exam
  • Spinal radiographs (if needed)
  • Digital biomechanical analysis of your spine
  • Insurance verification (by our insurance team)
  • Separate time to go over the results of your test within a day or two, where we will go over:
    • What is going on
    • If we can help
    • What the best next step is for you
    • Any investment in your health that is necessary

If you’re interested, you can schedule an appointment for a 3-Dimensional BioStructural Analysis here. If you’d like tips on how you can stay healthy and well without drugs and surgery, go ahead and check out other articles on this site. If you continue to struggle with vertigo and dizziness or have more questions about any of the vertigo maneuvers covered, give us a call at Align Wellness Center (847) 860-6599 or schedule an appointment online. Contact us today or stop by the office. We’re located at 900 Skokie Blvd., Suite 113, Northbrook, IL, 60062.

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