The holidays are a time of joy, family, and friends. But not all people can enjoy these gatherings because they suffer from certain conditions like vestibular disorders. However, don't despair! There are tricks you can do to make these special occasions more enjoyable and less stressful for yourself. In this article, we’ll give you tips from a trusted Farmington chiropractor – Dr. Christopher Perkins – on how to sail through the holiday season stress-free and unbothered by your vestibular disorder and any of its notoriously debilitating symptoms.
Although Thanksgiving is over, the malady of vestibular patients is still not. That is because two of the biggest gatherings and holiday celebrations of the year are still on their way - Christmas and New Year's!
People with vestibular disorders are no Grinches or killjoys. Deep in their hearts, they love a good gathering and celebration just as much as the next person. However, their condition makes them more sensitive and struggle to enjoy as much as they want.
To many, it can be hard to understand why someone with a vestibular disorder isn’t always excited about going to gatherings. Well, the reason behind that is the fact that gatherings are usually packed with lots of people, loud music, and food, which can all make it more difficult for those with vestibular disorders to maintain their balance. In addition, when you are at a gathering, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the number of conversations happening at once or by the amount of movement around you—this can trigger symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or even vertigo!
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Vestibular disorders can demonstrate themselves through the following:
These are not part of the disorder itself; rather, they're associated with it because they're symptoms that often occur alongside other symptoms of any vestibular dysfunction.
If you have a vestibular disorder, chances are good that the holidays are going to be a stressful time for you. Your condition can make it difficult for you to navigate crowds and participate in activities like baking cookies or playing games with family members. But don’t let this discourage you—you can still enjoy your holiday season! Per Farmington chiropractor, Dr. Perkins, here are some of the top ways to get into the holiday spirit:
Try not to blast the volume of your headphones or player volume too high — in general, your ears will thank you! If your favorite songs have lyrics that are making you feel sad or angry, don't listen to them right now; instead, play some instrumental holiday music like traditional Christmas carols or classics from Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas album to stay relaxed (or anything else that makes you happy). Lastly, avoid bass-heavy tracks if possible; including these types of songs could cause unwanted vibrations in your vestibular system and worsen symptoms over time, which could lead to stress, headaches, and vertigo.
Ask for help. Whether you need someone to walk with you, watch your child so that you can use the restroom without fear of someone falling out of the stroller, or open doors for you every few minutes (all things I've done), don't be afraid to ask. Let people know what you need by being specific and polite at all times—it's not their fault that they're unaware of how much your inner ear is affecting your life! Whether you are hosting a small family dinner at home or attending one with your family and relatives, do not be afraid to ask for help.
Take advantage of those who are offering their assistance. Most people will be glad to help you if asked politely and without guilt-tripping them into it--and if they're not willing? Just move on and find another person who can help out! It might be annoying at first, but once everyone gets used to this new arrangement demanded by your vestibular disorder, it won't be a big deal anymore.
Taking care of one’s self is very important for everyone, not just vestibular patients alone. Make sure you are rested and have time for breaks when you need them, especially if you are suffering from any vestibular disorder that can give way to debilitating symptoms like vertigo because these symptoms and pains are the ones that are preventing you from fully enjoying gatherings and precious family time.
Eat well and get enough sleep in order to help your body recover from the fatigue that can come with vestibular disorders, especially if you have an event scheduled on your calendar.
If you want to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about your vestibular disorder, it’s important that you don’t overdo it. While this advice sounds like common sense, it can be difficult to follow if you have a lot of activities planned or if many people will be visiting your home.
If you suffer from the symptoms of a vestibular disorder (or if you know someone who does), the best you can do is prepare yourself. One great way is to seek help from a trusted Farmington chiropractor like Dr. Christopher Perkins of Premier Family Wellness.
Having one on your team will allow you to manage and address your symptoms better, which can eventually be your source of confidence in attending and navigating gatherings with ease. Regular appointments are advised to correct any misalignment causing stress and tension to your whole being.
Feel free to schedule your first, second, third, and all succeeding appointments with Dr. Perkins at Premiere Family Wellness in Farmington via email, online form, or phone at 248 780 8864.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Dr. Perkins grew up in Novi, Michigan and attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He received his Doctorate Magna Cum Laude with a focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Chris is well known in the community for his public speaking and holds a number of professional certifications. We are proud to say that Dr. Perkins and Perkins Family Wellness has been recognized by Hour Magazine as one of the Top Chiropractors in Metro Detroit for 3 years in row.
