Gardening without “The Spins”: How to Manage BPPV While Planting Your Georgia Garden

Spring in Georgia is a spectacular time of year. From the blooming azaleas in Marietta to the lush landscapes of Alpharetta, there is nothing quite like getting your hands in the red Georgia clay to start a new garden. However, for many seniors and adults in our community, this favorite pastime is interrupted by a disorienting and scary sensation and that is vertigo.

If bending over to plant a marigold or looking up to hang a fern makes the world spin, you may be dealing with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). At North Atlanta Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy, we see a significant spike in balance-related visits during the spring. Here is how you can reclaim your garden without the “spins.”

What is BPPV?

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in your inner ear, which help you keep your balance, become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals. When you move your head in certain ways, these crystals shift, sending false signals to your brain that you are moving when you aren’t. The result? A brief but intense sensation of spinning.

Why Gardening is a “Perfect Storm” for Vertigo

Gardening requires exactly the types of head movements that trigger BPPV:

• Bending over to pull weeds or dig holes.
• Looking straight up to prune trees or adjust hanging baskets.
• Quickly turning your head to look at a bird or a neighbor.

Tips for Gardening with BPPV

You don’t have to give up your green thumb. By making a few adjustments, you can minimize triggers and stay safe:

1. Use Raised Beds: Bringing the garden to you is the best way to avoid the “head-down” position. Raised beds or waist-high planters allow you to work while keeping your head level with your horizon.
2. Invest in Long-Handled Tools: Use long-handled hoes, rakes, and “grabbers” to reach the ground. This prevents the need to tip your head forward, which is a primary trigger for the “spins.”
3. Avoid the “Vertical Tilt”: If you need to look up at a hanging basket or a high branch, don’t just tilt your head back. Instead, step back several feet so you can see the object while keeping your neck in a more neutral position.
4. Move Your Whole Body: When you need to look to the side, try to turn your entire body rather than just twisting your neck.
5. Stay Hydrated: Georgia’s spring humidity can be deceptive. Dehydration can worsen feelings of lightheadedness and imbalance. Keep a water bottle nearby and take frequent breaks in the shade.

When to See a Specialist

While these tips can help you manage symptoms, BPPV is a medical condition that can often be resolved quickly with professional help.Don’t let vertigo keep you indoors during the most beautiful season in Georgia. If you are experiencing “the spins,” the specialists at North Atlanta ENT & Allergy are here to help you get back on your feet.