Have you heard of Canalith Repositioning?
Canalith repositioning is an expert-driven treatment designed to help give relief to people suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Before we get too deep into canalith repositioning itself, let’s explore BPPV and why the canalith procedure is necessary.
BPPV occurs when tiny particles — often referred to as ear crystals — in the inner ear move into sensitive areas, such as the semicircular canals, which causes distress to the parts of the inner ear that are responsible for regulating our sense of balance.
When we make common, everyday movements, like moving our head back and forth or getting up from a lying position, these displaced particles can make us feel extreme feelings of dizziness or even as though the world is spinning around us.
Typically, these sensations will last only for a short period of time, often just a few seconds, but can be disruptive enough to prevent us from living a normal, healthy lifestyle. Though unusual, there are cases where people will experience these sensations for long periods of time.
Regardless of the duration, this is where treatments like canalith repositioning come into play.
How does canalith repositioning work?
The purpose of canalith repositioning is to provide the person experiencing vertigo with relief by carefully moving the rogue ear crystals back into the areas where they belong. Eventually, these particles will either dissolve or be reabsorbed back into the body.
Despite how simple this procedure sounds, it must be stressed that only a professional should be administering these movements. Incorrect application of this technique can actually make a person’s BPPV worse, so please seek professional assistance when experiencing vertigo symptoms to ensure that you’re getting the care you need.
When using the canalith repositioning technique with our patients, we’ll ease them into four specific positions, during each of which we’ll monitor their eyes to ensure there are no unusual movements throughout the treatment.
Typically, we’ll repeat some if not all of the positions in order to properly move the particles and provide the patient relief.
A standard session will look something like this:
- Your provider will have you lie down from a seated position
- Carefully, they will turn your head from one side to the other, starting from the side of your head that is assumed to be the source of the dizziness
- After this, they’ll help you turn on to your side while you’re looking at a fixed object
- Once you’ve completed this movement, you’ll once again resume an upright, seated position
- After you’ve sat back up, you’ll stay in that position with your head down, remaining in that posture for 10 to 15 minutes or until your provider tells you it’s appropriate to return to a normal position
Again, do not attempt canalith repositioning for yourself or a loved one on your own. Professional guidance is required, as incorrect movements can actually cause your experience with vertigo to worsen.
How effective is canalith repositioning?
Generally speaking, when canalith repositioning is administered by a trained and accredited expert, it can be a very effective procedure.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 80% of people with vertigo who have received canalith repositioning treatment report relief of their symptoms.
Often, your provider will teach you safe movements that you can do at home in order to support the treatment provided in the office to ensure better outcomes.
Will my vertigo return after I’ve received treatment?
Canalith repositioning is a treatment designed to address BPPV symptoms as they are occurring. It is not a preventative treatment procedure.
Many people will experience vertigo more than once, but can still find relief in undergoing treatment with their trusted provider.
Luckily, in most cases of BPPV, there aren’t serious underlying conditions causing vertigo to occur. Seek treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms, and you should be able to find the relief you need.
How do I know if I have BPPV?
In order to take the guesswork out of your health concerns and get you the care you need and deserve, seeking professional help is always your best option.
At Colorado Ear Care, we specialize in all things from the neck up, and can provide you with the testing, understanding, and treatment recommendations that will help you live a happier, healthier lifestyle, free from the burdens of most dizziness, balance, and hearing-related conditions.
Our focus lies heavily on providing you with comprehensive testing, so that we can make the most informed assessment possible of what you’re experiencing, and offer you treatment recommendations that aren’t driven by sales figures, but that truly reflect what you need to feel your best.
Curious about your health? Take our balance and dizziness quiz to learn how your experience might be an issue worth addressing. This quiz is quick, simple, and it’s free!
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BPPV is just one of the balance-related conditions that we assess and treat. Our practice also specializes in equilibrium disorders, fall risk prevention, concussions, and more.
We also offer hearing testing, technology for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as custom ear plug and in-ear monitors.
There’s no reason to wait! Contact Colorado Ear Care today so you can finally take control of your dizziness, balance, or hearing related issues.