I have found music therapy improves my vestibular health and my emotional well-being.
I am in the unique position of being somebody who is not only a healthcare provider specializing in the inner ear, but I’m also a patient who has an inner ear problem myself. In fact, I’ve had multiple inner ear problems and vestibular migraines since I was a kid.
I’ve recovered from many episodes of BPPV, and I am living with a chronic “vestibulopathy.” This is a hypofunction in my inner ear which will continually decompensate for the rest of my life if I cycle through an illness, a migraine episode or anything that keeps me immobile for even a few days.
When I’m not as physically active, then my inner ear decompensates from a lack of head motion and my feelings of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance return.
So, one of the things that I have learned to do – in order to be somebody who lives a rich, active and vibrant healthy life with a vestibular disorder – is to play music.
Because when I play music, I relax and I forget about my to-do list!
Music allows me to feel better emotionally.
Music also helps me connect with other people, so I’m not as socially isolated. Music really helps to stabilize any emotional or mental fluctuations that I experience.
Playing music causes me move my head around as I play my music everyday, so my vestibular system gets some activity. My inner ear has something to report because head motion stimulates the vestibular system. Since it has something to process, my vestibular system stays in tip-top shape.
A lifetime of active head motion is required for people with vestibular hypofunction in order to maintain the brain’s compensation for the vestibular problem.
My team of healthcare providers fully support the evidence-based strategy of music therapy to improve the quality of my life.
In terms of my well-being, music is something I have discovered that helps me stay well on an everyday basis. Music therapy improves vestibular health and emotional well-being.
It allows me to express myself, my creativity and to add something beautiful to the world.
Since I got saved on January 1, 2017, I now write and play worship music to praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Adding a spiritual aspect to my music therapy takes it to a whole other level!
I just finished writing and recording an original worship album that I will release this year in 2019 and I just performed two worship songs at my very first open mic night last Monday!
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Hello! I was browsing thru internet and found out your website. I have been having dizziness for a week now. My vision or my surroundings are spinning very fast one morning that woke me up. I did had a consultation that night online and was advised to take Serc and Bcomplex. Dizziness didnt come off. But after 3 days I feel a lot better however the dizziness is still there. And now it has been a week I can still feel dizzy feeling like I am in a boat and a bit shaky feeling. I dont know what to do. I also read that it could also lead to stroke from having vertigo and this really bothers me.
Hi,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
I believe after you report this to your general practitioner, your next step is to consult a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
You can use this article to search for one nearby.
This article on vertigo home remedies may help in the meantime.
I hope that points you in the right direction. I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease eight years ago. As a bass guitarist I soon realized that my symptoms seemed to almost disappear when I’m “in the music bubble”. I actually have to be careful not to forget about my balance problems and start moving with the music (I fall, lol). Everyone likes music but there is much more to this gift of God than meets the ear!
Had shingles in my ear and now have Ramsey Hunt syndrome. Doing vestibular PT. Something told me to sit down and play the piano today. I was blowen away. I did get dizzy, took a break and went back to it. Felt better. Is there a type of music that is best?
Whatever music makes you feel good and happy! I love all different types of music.