Does Activity Worsen Vertigo? The Truth You Need to Know

Understanding Vertigo and Its Triggers

Well, if you’ve ever experienced vertigo, you know how unsettling it can be. It’s that sensation where the world seems to spin around you, or like you’re about to fall even though you’re perfectly still. I had my first real vertigo episode a few months ago, and honestly, it scared the heck out of me. I didn’t know what was happening, and I didn’t know what to do. But one question kept coming to my mind: does activity make vertigo worse?

The short answer is: it depends. There are many types of vertigo, and activity can sometimes make it worse, but other times, it can actually help. I know, it sounds confusing, but stick with me—let's break it down.

The Different Types of Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Okay, so first off, let's talk about one of the most common types of vertigo: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. Honestly, I never realized how common it was until I started researching it after my own experience. BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear get dislodged and interfere with your balance. It’s often triggered by certain head movements.

If you’re experiencing BPPV, doing quick movements—like turning your head fast or rolling over in bed—can definitely make things worse. So, in this case, activity can worsen vertigo. I remember rolling over in bed one night and feeling like the whole room was spinning. It was disorienting and awful. But the good news? With the right exercises (which I'll get to later), BPPV can be treated effectively.

Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis

Then there’s vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which is an inner ear infection that can also cause vertigo. Honestly, when I looked into this, I realized that vertigo caused by an infection is a bit different from BPPV. In this case, the vertigo can last much longer, and it’s often accompanied by symptoms like nausea or vomiting.

For people with vestibular neuritis, activity might exacerbate the feeling of dizziness because your body is still trying to recover. So if you have this condition, engaging in vigorous activity might not be the best idea. You want to let your body heal before you jump back into things. I’ve talked to a few friends who’ve had this, and they say it took a lot of patience before they could even think about doing light exercise without feeling awful.

How Physical Activity Affects Vertigo

Can Activity Help Reduce Vertigo?

Actually, here’s where it gets interesting. Some forms of physical activity can help reduce vertigo symptoms, especially in cases like BPPV. For example, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) includes specific exercises that help your brain adapt to the conflicting signals it’s receiving from your inner ear. These exercises can actually help you feel less dizzy over time.

A friend of mine, Sara, went through VRT after a prolonged episode of vertigo. She mentioned how, at first, she wasn’t sure if the exercises were going to work. But slowly, she started feeling better and was able to return to her regular activities. It wasn’t overnight, but the right exercises helped her body adjust.

When Should You Avoid Activity?

Now, I’m not saying you should just push through all the dizziness and go for a run, okay? It’s crucial to listen to your body. If you're having a severe vertigo episode, activity can definitely make things worse. In fact, you might even make yourself feel worse by trying to push through too much physical exertion.

I remember trying to work out while dealing with vertigo. Bad idea. My balance was off, and I ended up feeling more lightheaded than ever. So, if you’re dealing with vertigo, it’s better to focus on gentle exercises or movements that don’t make you feel worse.

The Role of Hydration and Stress Management in Vertigo

Stay Hydrated, Stay Safe

Something I didn’t realize until later was the impact hydration can have on vertigo. Dehydration can make vertigo symptoms worse. I was surprised by how often dehydration was listed as a contributing factor. Honestly, when you’re not drinking enough water, it can mess with your balance and even contribute to dizziness.

I started paying more attention to my water intake after experiencing vertigo, and it definitely helped. So, don’t underestimate the power of staying hydrated.

Stress and Vertigo: A Dangerous Combo

Stress, on the other hand, is a bit of a double-edged sword. When you’re stressed, your body releases certain chemicals that can make vertigo worse. If you’re already feeling dizzy or lightheaded, stress can amplify those sensations. It’s like a vicious cycle. I know from personal experience that stress exacerbated my vertigo episodes. Whenever I was particularly anxious, the dizziness felt more intense.

It’s super important to find ways to manage stress—whether it’s through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or even just taking a break from stressful situations.

Conclusion: Should You Exercise with Vertigo?

So, does activity worsen vertigo? It really depends on the type of vertigo and the kind of activity you’re doing. In some cases, like with BPPV, certain exercises can help reduce symptoms over time. However, if you're experiencing intense vertigo, it's better to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms subside.

Remember, when in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider. Vertigo can be complex, and it's essential to get a diagnosis to understand the best course of action for your specific situation. Honestly, it can be frustrating, but with the right care and precautions, it’s absolutely possible to manage and even improve your vertigo symptoms.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.