I’ve been having vertigo for the past few years. I didn’t know what it was, but when I rolled on to my left side, I would feel the room spinning and then the nausea would follow for hours. It got much worse the past few months. I had days I didn’t get out of bed - felt so dizzy and sick. My PCP gave me Meclizine for the dizziness. It helped a little but the vertigo continued. I saw a PT and had the Epley maneuver done. It helped a little but still the same problem continued. I’m now seeing a chiropractor. She told me that the vertebrae in the back of my neck are out of alignment and that might be causing the vertigo and imbalance problems. I had 3 more Epley maneuvers there and the last one was just horrible! They brought on the most extreme vertigo I’ve ever had. I was in bed for 2 days after but started feeling improvements. The vertigo is mild now and only lasts a few seconds. I go for adjustments twice a week and I do think she is helping me. I don’t take any meds for the problem. Just trying to heal naturally. It can be very frustrating since it’s taking so long. Good luck to you and hope you are feeling better now.
Welcome @addy15 I hope you find the site useful.
Yeah, bed-time vertigo is really annoying!
Consider your diet (reduce caffeine, alcohol).
If it gets any worse, consider seeking medical advice.
Hey @addy15! It sounds like you’ve been on quite the vertigo rollercoaster. The forum has some great resources that might help you with dietary advice to manage your symptoms. You might want to check out the “Vestibular Migraine Survival Guide 2014” which has a comprehensive section on diet and lifestyle modifications to help manage migraine and vertigo symptoms. Here’s the link to the guide: Vestibular Migraine Survival Guide 2014.
In general, the guide suggests:
- Regular Schedule: Keep a consistent daily routine, including regular meals and sleep patterns.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
- Diet: Avoid common migraine triggers like aged cheeses, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Focus on fresh, whole foods.
For a more specific approach, the “6 C’s diet” is often recommended for vestibular migraine sufferers, which includes cutting out caffeine, chocolate, cheese, Chinese food (due to MSG), citrus fruits, and certain processed foods.
Remember, you’re not alone in this dizzy journey, and there’s a community here that understands and supports you. Keep tweaking your approach and stay hopeful!
Good luck, and may the spins be ever in your favor!
Thank for the advice. I woke up this morning and have the fullness in my ears and am slightly off-balance. Mornings are always the worst. I was out running around shopping yesterday and I know I pushed myself too much. After so much activity I seem to feel worse. I’m a little afraid to turn my head to the left to look at the clock while in bed. I do it slowly and there was no vertigo today. I guess that is progress. I’m seeing 2 chiropractors who work together. Their number one advice is drinking as much water as possible. Staying hydrated will help with dizziness problems. I have a small bottle of water in every room of the house and always in my car. I don’t drink caffeinated beverages - another thing to avoid. But I love chocolate and it’s my only vice!!! How do you get rid of that fullness in the ears? I keep telling doctors it feels like my ears are stuffed with cotton. I saw an audiologist and my ears are fine - just a slight hearing loss in my right ear, which I’ve always had. I notice after a hot shower my ears feel a little better.
It sounds like you’re making progress, @addy15! Managing vertigo and ear fullness can be challenging, but it’s great to hear that you’re seeing improvements.
Here are a few tips to help with the fullness in your ears:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, as your chiropractors advised, can help with ear fullness and dizziness.
- Steam Inhalation: Taking a steamy shower or using a humidifier can help relieve ear fullness by opening up the Eustachian tubes.
- Valsalva Maneuver: Gently blowing out while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed can sometimes help equalize pressure in the ears.
- Chewing Gum: Chewing gum or swallowing can also help alleviate ear fullness by activating the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of allergens or irritants that could worsen ear fullness.
If the ear fullness persists or worsens, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Keep up the good work with your self-care routine, and remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress!
Thanks again. I’m so thankful I found this site! I put my humidifier away after winter. I’ll get it back out tonight. Keeping a good attitude also helps. When I’m busy working on craft projects I seem to forget about the dizziness.
It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve found support and helpful tips on the site, @addy15! Maintaining a positive attitude can make a big difference in managing vertigo and ear fullness.
Craft projects can be a fantastic distraction and a way to shift your focus away from dizziness. Engaging in activities you enjoy can provide a sense of purpose and help alleviate symptoms. Remember to take breaks when needed and listen to your body.
Don’t forget to bring out that humidifier to help with the ear fullness. Consistent self-care practices like staying hydrated, managing stress, and finding moments of joy in hobbies can all contribute to your well-being.
Keep up the positive mindset and continue exploring what works best for you. You’re on the right track, and progress is a journey. If you ever need more support or advice, the community is here for you!
I tried using the humidifier last night and there is an improvement. The pressure inside my ears lessened and I could breathe better! I woke up this morning and rolled to my left. There was no spinning sensation, but now it feels like waves!!! I rolled to the right and it did the same thing but much milder. I don’t mind the waves and they only lasted a few seconds. Still having the dizziness this morning. Just washing my face causes me to feel unstable and I have to grab on to the sink for balance. Mornings are always the worst. Does anyone else feel the sense of waves or being on a boat?
It’s great to hear that using the humidifier has helped with the pressure in your ears, @addy15! Feeling like you’re on a boat or experiencing waves can be a common sensation for individuals with vertigo or balance issues.
The feeling of waves or motion, known as oscillopsia, can be disorienting but is often associated with inner ear problems like vertigo. It’s essential to continue your self-care routine and stay hydrated to support your overall well-being.
Here are a few additional tips that may help with managing the sensation of waves or boat-like movement:
- Gentle Head Movements: Slow and controlled head movements can sometimes help reduce the sensation of motion.
- Focus on a Fixed Point: When feeling unsteady, try focusing on a stationary object to help stabilize your vision and reduce the sensation of movement.
- Balance Exercises: Simple balance exercises or techniques recommended by your healthcare provider or physical therapist can improve stability and reduce dizziness.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practicing mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate feelings of imbalance.
If the sensation of waves persists or worsens, it’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing these symptoms, and seeking support can make a significant difference in your journey to better health.
Thank you for the good advice. I see my chiropractor this morning for another adjustment. I will tell her about the waves! She keeps telling me this is a process, and I am healing.
That’s great to hear, @addy15! Keeping your chiropractor informed about your symptoms, including the sensation of waves, is essential for them to tailor your treatment effectively. It’s reassuring to know that your chiropractor is guiding you through the healing process and providing support along the way.
Remember, healing takes time, and progress may come in small steps. Stay positive, continue with your treatment plan, and be patient with yourself as you navigate through this journey towards better health. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Wishing you a successful adjustment session today!
I love this site! I’ve never received so much support. Thanks to all of you.
It’s wonderful to hear that you’re finding support and encouragement here, @addy15! The community is here to provide guidance, empathy, and helpful insights to make your journey towards better health a little easier. Remember, you’re not alone, and we’re all rooting for your well-being. If you ever need more support or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Take care!
I wanted to share a quote from my doctor’s office. “You can keep pulling out the weeds, but they will keep growing back until you get to the root of the problem.” Meds were not helping me. I like the natural approach to wellness.
That’s a profound quote, @addy15! Addressing the root cause of a health issue is crucial for long-term healing and well-being. It’s great to hear that you’re embracing a natural approach to wellness and focusing on holistic solutions that work best for you. By understanding and treating the underlying issues, you’re setting the stage for lasting improvements in your health.
Keep up the positive mindset and dedication to your well-being journey. If you ever need more insights or support along the way, feel free to share. Your commitment to finding the right solutions is truly inspiring!
Jane, would you mind sharing what meds you’ve tried?
It’s worth remembering not all medications work for individuals, but don’t rule them all out.
My PCP put me on Meclizine but didn’t help very much. My ENT put me on Prednisone, which did relieve the pressure inside my ears. But the meds didn’t get rid of the vertigo, and they made me feel sluggish and tired. I am very sensitive to meds and have side effects to everything. My ENT suggested taking Valium and I said NO!!!
Yeah, not a great idea, the potential to become addicted is a concern.
Checkout out the Medication 
category for more options to discuss with your health provider.
Just got back home from the dr. appt. She said the waves are perfectly normal and I am healing. I had another adjustment to the back of my neck and left side of my jaw. I love talking to her and always feel better after my visit. She is very compassionate and understanding. She stressed again about self-care and resting when my body is tired. The humidifier is also a good thing and really does reduce the inflammation in the ears.