Flight attendants face unique challenges that most people don’t experience daily. One of these challenges is vertigo, which can significantly disrupt their work schedules and even impact their careers.
And maybe you are wondering, vertigo? Really? But these workers fly worldwide, so why do they face a “fear of heights”? Unfortunately, vertigo goes beyond our general knowledge, as this fear or discomfort of heights is a simple factor that can provoke it.
In this blog, we will explore why attendants should consider seeing a chiropractor for vertigo, learn about this health problem and its symptoms, plus flight attendant support for their well-being.
Vertigo in Flight Attendants
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance or dizzy, often described as a spinning sensation. It can be triggered by changes in head position, and for flight attendants, given their constantly changing environment, it can be particularly debilitating.
This health issue can be caused by various factors, including inner ear problems, head injuries, and prolonged periods of stress and fatigue. For flight attendants, the constant pressure changes during flights and the physical strain of their duties can contribute to the development of vertigo.
Types of Vertigo
There are two main types of vertigo: peripheral and central.
- Peripheral vertigo is the most common type caused by inner ear or vestibular nerve issues. Subtypes of peripheral vertigo include Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Labyrinthitis, Vestibular neuritis, and Ménière’s disease.
- Central vertigo is less common and is associated with conditions affecting the brain, such as infections, strokes, or traumatic brain injuries. Individuals with central vertigo typically experience more severe symptoms like severe instability or difficulty walking.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vertigo include:
- Dizziness
- Motion sickness
- Nausea
- Vomits
- Loss of Balance
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- Hearing loss in one or both ears.
Why Visit a Chiropractor for Vertigo?
Flight attendants should consider visiting a chiropractor for vertigo due to the distinctive challenges inherent in their profession. The rigorous physical demands of lifting, bending, and navigating confined spaces, coupled with the frequent pressure changes during flights, can exacerbate musculoskeletal issues contributing to vertigo.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating these musculoskeletal issues to improve the daily lives of individuals dealing with episodes of vertigo and other health conditions. Some chiropractic treatments that can effectively help flight attendants manage vertigo include:
Epley Maneuver
This technique is specifically designed to treat the BPPV. It involves a series of head movements to dislodge and reposition crystals in the inner ear, which can alleviate symptoms associated with positional vertigo.
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to improve spine alignment and enhance nerve function. By correcting subluxation in the spine, these adjustments can help optimize nerve communication throughout the body, potentially reducing vertigo symptoms linked to neurological issues.
Soft Tissue Therapy
This approach treats muscle tension, stiffness, and trigger points that may contribute to vertigo symptoms. Techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate tension.
Proactive Chiropractic: Your Partner in Health
Vertigo is a common yet challenging condition for flight attendants. It affects their ability to perform their duties and impacts their overall well-being.
Chiropractic techniques offer a holistic and practical approach to managing vertigo, addressing the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
If you or someone you know is looking for the best treatment for vertigo, do not hesitate to contact Proactive Chiropractic Clinic today!
