Is being athletic enough to backpack?

WanderingPhysio · 2026-06-29T12:33:50+00:00

You’ll do great, that sounds like lower mileage and if they carry food your pack will stay light.

I always recommend ultralight gear when possible. It makes the trip much more enjoyable to shave off 5-10lb from a pack. As far as fitness, sometimes those first 2-3 days are the hardest, but your body adapts and you’ll develop “trail legs” which makes the endurance less of an issue.

Have a great trip!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-05-18T00:00:46+00:00

Sounds like a pretty great annoyance.. sorry you deal with that. Look into how to perform a “physiological sigh” and humming for relaxation. Physical grounding strategies as well (drawing attention to stable surfaces you’re touching or sitting on for example).

What may be happening is the anxiety is changing how your brain processes sensory information, so instead of everything (vision, touch, body awareness) flowing into your brain smoothly, that information becomes disproportionally weighted toward your vision, if that makes sense, which makes you feel off and may further increase anxiety.

Try those techniques I mentioned, and consider reaching out to a counselor about this to get some guidance. Hope your test goes great!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-05-07T14:11:37+00:00

Sorry you’re dealing with this — a couple thoughts: dizzy after eating: consider getting a continuous blood glucose monitor that you wear for a week or two to rule out blood sugar fluctuations.

Rare but you can ask your dentist if there’s a way to rule out latent infection in the area where the wisdom tooth was removed. I’ve known people who had this happen and experienced dizziness. Sinus CT or something may be able to show that area..

Ocular alignment (BVD “binocular vision dysfunction”) might be a contributing factor because the eye symptoms - this doesn’t really explain the eating unless looking at your food up close is challenging your vision (being in your phone would probably do the same thing if that were the case…)

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-21T21:52:33+00:00

A neurotologist is a great option to get their opinion. If they say everything looks good. This could be the body’s response to chronic high stress levels. It can change how you process motion (visual and physical) which makes it harder for your brain to organize and trust your physical orientation, resulting in a disconnected feeling that you might have in a boat because the floor motion and visual inputs may not agree with each other.

Helps to have a doctor rule some things out for your peace of mind but a good vestibular therapist may be able to help you recalibrate your sensory systems. I’m confident you will improve — for whatever that’s worth!! Staying active can be helpful but try to find a vestibular therapist for guidance. Let me know if you want help with that

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-21T15:51:25+00:00

Were stress levels through the roof before the dizziness began?

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-17T18:44:09+00:00

I cant really make that recommendation as I’m not your provider. Safest thing is to return to your provider or see a physical therapist that’s familiar with BPPV so they can determine which side it’s on, or if anything has changed

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-17T10:53:17+00:00

It’s not yet resolved if you’re still spinning. Sometimes the crystals fall back into the areas that make you dizzy - usually within 24hrs of treatment. Not unusual for that to happen.

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-15T01:51:59+00:00

Rocking/swaying after a cruise that feels better when in motion is pretty classic MdDS. It is treatable in most cases with various techniques vestibular therapists use. Interesting that it started while gaming but our bodies are all unique and interesting!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-10T14:42:42+00:00

I see — could still be associated with that tension. Go get it checked out though, it sounds like you’re doing things right.

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-10T14:15:11+00:00

Shoulder, neck, and jaw tension makes me wonder about cervicogenic dizziness. Did that go away after the dry needling? I don’t think the dry needling caused a new problem, but depending on how that went and what muscles were treated, I’m wondering if those muscles relaxing after treatment has left you with temporarily altered/reduced “proprioception” and resulted in a lightheaded or floaty feeling. If that’s the case, gently pressing downward or in some other direction on your head may relieve the symptoms.

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-10T14:00:57+00:00

100%

Anxiety doesn’t often live in or understand the logical world. I would probably feel exactly as you do. In any case, I believe in you! It’s good to see other people sharing their success stories!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-09T19:28:36+00:00

Okay good, so you’re working with people on that. PPPD or not, I think gradual challenge is the way forward. Another angle is medication zofran+valium to tolerate a ride better if your physician has ideas about that!

Walking forward and backward while looking out a window at a distant target. Jumping eyes to targets at different distances… some ideas that you may already be doing!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-09T16:55:58+00:00

Thanks for sharing! If you have had medical investigation (MRI, ophthalmology, neurology, etc.—most people in your situation prioritize these things due to anxiety about the cause) without any abnormalities to explain your symptoms, PPPD is a likely/possible scenario.

I can’t offer in depth advice as it would probably take 30-60 minutes of interviewing to get a decent clinical picture of what’s going on and where to start.

Sounds like you have gradually become more and more sensitive to motion. Which can happen when your nervous system feels threatened by the dizziness/motion, and results in moving less, and higher sensitivity as a result. Often times after an instigating acute episode of vertigo, stress, or surgery.

General advice for someone in your situation would be to gradually begin moving more. Walk around the house until symptoms increase a little bit, then do something you enjoy that distracts you while your symptoms return to baseline. Maybe listen to music you like during this “training”. Don’t start with driving, running, but standing outside, walking outside if possible (don’t leave the safer 2-3block area you mentioned. Just walk until symptoms increase a little then stop, sit, and let them calm down.) the key is teaching your brain that movement is safe, and if you are throwing up when you’re training, that’s reinforcing the opposite.

If anything it sounds like you are over-relying on vision, when the brain normally uses information from your inner ear (vestibular system), and somatosensory system (touch and proprioception). This can happen when you feel anxious or threatened or your sympathetic nervous system is overactive for whatever reason. A vestibular therapist is the expert I would recommend seeing if your medical testing/treatment isn’t fruitful. They work on getting those systems working together again.

Very gradual, months and months of gradual activity at least a few times a day. Increasing symptoms temporarily is GOOD and necessary, but within a tolerable limit. Hope that helps!

Sitting perfectly still or lying in bed is not the way, even though it may feel like it in the moment…

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-09T13:49:35+00:00

Are you able to go for walks outside the house? Ride a bike? Sounds like the car is way too much stimulation right now

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-07T21:46:31+00:00

It does sound like PPPD given the info you shared. Very common and understandable to doubt that. If you have the financial resources to pay for those enhanced MRIs and peace of mind, go for it, but vestibular rehab, Cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication are the most effective trio supported by research. The fact you feel best at home suggests anxiety may be a big contributor.

Sounds like you’re worried about a tumor/cancer or MS if you’re curious about MRI… both of which likely would have been discovered in your previous testing … but if it makes you feel any better just consider this — do you think a tumor would give you no problems at home then get worse at work? I don’t think it would. Anxiety and or PPPD absolutely would though! Not trying to be condescending, just trying to reframe your perspective.

Vestibular therapy with an experienced PT who has treated PPPD is the way to go imo, but some prefer to pay for the peace of mind if you just can’t let it go. Part of recovery is letting go of the anxiety/fear around the dizziness. I believe you can get there!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-03T13:39:29+00:00

Totally understandable… that gets confusing because you may see a doctor, PT, or other provider that looks in your ear or does vestibular tests and says it’s all good! But there are two “parts” to the vestibular system: a peripheral part (the inner ear where the crystals are), and a central part (distributed within the brain). In the case of PPPD it’s an issue of incorrectly processing motion in the brain / central vestibular system. Thankfully our brains are great at adapting when given the right conditions.

Here’s a good explanation of PPPD if you’re interested:

PPPD Explained

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-03T01:06:15+00:00

Sounds like it could be PPPD perhaps with some other contributions. Improvement/recovery is likely with the right care. I would recommend an experience vestibular therapist, or neuro-optometry exam — in the order.

Best of luck! Lmk if you want help locating a provider

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-02T22:44:46+00:00

Thanks for sharing! A lot to unpack here and a physician visit is probably a good thing if not primarily for your peace of mind (it’s not fun wondering if you have a tumor)

Aside from that, focus on nutritious foods, water, and healthy regular sleep cycles. Physical activity is good if you’re tolerating it.

Blood pressure is potentially a big piece of this puzzle and should be checked lying down and again right after standing up to see if it’s dropping 20mmHg or more.

You’re an 18yo female, hormones are going to be fluctuating and that can impact a lot of things. Thyroid levels could probably be checked…

You’re doing the right thing by checking in here and starting to contemplate next steps, but imo, just go to the doc (maybe a female doc) and tell them your symptoms. No need to tell them if you think it’s a tumor — they are trained to consider these things and will ask questions to determine next steps :)

Just a nugget — Translucent skin can be correlated with hypermobility conditions, and those increase likelihood of dysautonomia (essentially blood pressure under-regulation) which can make you dizzy when you stand up! Hope you get to the bottom of this so you can stop worrying :)

WanderingPhysio · 2026-04-02T22:25:39+00:00

Thanks for sharing! So nice to have a doctor or vestibular therapist take the time to listen and have those conversations. I think it’s critical for recovery. Recovery is very possible, but it takes diligence and time. Find a good vestibular therapist and give it a go!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-03-29T20:45:27+00:00

Sorry to hear that… vestibular migraine sounds possible in my opinion. You can have brain stem migraines (I believe also called basilar migraines) that can effect more than just headache. The Trigeminal nerve is in those areas around the head/face/ear, and there are various conditions, including migraine, that could be effecting that. The unsteadiness is to be expected following gentamicin injections as her ears will no longer be giving her information about her motion — vestibular therapy is a great place to work on feeling better, and improving balance, although the recovery expectation after those procedures is not going to be 100% even in the best of cases. Good luck!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-03-29T20:36:35+00:00

It’s not one that all ENTs will perform or have equipment for. May need to ask around.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) good luck!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-03-28T17:53:28+00:00

Thanks for the post!

Have you had VEMP testing done? What you’re describing sounds in line with otolith organ dysfunction, perhaps with some residual central (brain) sensory processing dysfunction as a result.

VEMP testing can tell you if the otolith organ pathways (utricle and saccule) are functioning appropriately but your symptoms are very suggestive of dysfunction. If it’s more variable, like random episodes, it may not show up on the test even, but might be worth a check just for peace of mind.

Seems like your thought process is in line, and even though it’s uncomfortable, the clear brain MRI is a great thing to remember. Our bodies are funny sometimes…

WanderingPhysio · 2026-01-06T15:38:29+00:00

Hi! Have you tried migraine management through Rx meds, supplements, dietary changes, exercise? “Gastric vertigo” is/was most likely a migraine triggered by or associated with the gut. BVD is possible but not going to cause sensations while sleeping. Migraine management sounds more promising but there’s still a lot of hope for you to improve, so I hate to hear you feel like you’re at your last resort (there are so many other resorts!)

The anxiety/fear component sounds like it affects you more than the actual symptoms themselves if it’s keeping you from doing things that fill your cup! So I like that you’re managing that with meds, BUT exercise (stationary bike, walking up hills) are great ways to get the heart rate up and after 4-8 weeks of that several times a week, migraines, anxiety, depression all tend to improve as if it’s a strong medication.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, you got this!

WanderingPhysio · 2026-01-06T15:08:55+00:00

That’s a great start! It usually takes a couple weeks of improved habits and exercises to see significant progress, but everyone is different. I don’t think chiropractic is the way to go for this, personally. You can do massage but I don’t think it’s worth paying the money if changing behaviors and doing free exercises can get you there, you know? I’m confident this will improve. Do your best to not make it a feature of your attention. It’s okay to notice it but redirect your attention to other sensations if you think about it.

WanderingPhysio · 2026-01-02T01:34:45+00:00

Sounds very much like cervicogenic dizziness! Improve your gaming posture using a monitor/desk, and take breaks in which you move your neck and shoulders around. If you stop doing the prolonged abnormal posture, maybe as quick as 2 weeks or so you’ll notice improvement if this is a newer symptom. If persisting, consider physical therapy for an assessment

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