Warning: Theragun Users at Risk of Developing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Last year, two women from Los Angeles, aged 31 and 48 respectively, sought treatment at Cedars-Sinai hospital for a peculiar and debilitating illness they were experiencing.They were both diagnosed with vertigo, a condition characterized by constant dizziness that can make one feel as if they are on a never-ending carnival ride. Along with dizziness, vertigo can also lead to nausea, which can make it challenging for individuals to carry out their daily activities.

What baffled doctors the most was that these two women were relatively young and healthy, with no apparent reason for developing vertigo. However, it was revealed that both patients shared a common habit - using a battery-powered massager like a Theragun to relieve tension in their shoulders and neck.

As reported in a case study in 2020, vertigo is a severe condition that can cause intense dizziness, nausea, and difficulty in movement. One patient even compared the sensation to being on a carnival ride.

Upon discontinuing their use of the Theragun, the women's symptoms disappeared almost immediately, leading Dr. Ronen Nazarian and doctoral student David Elisha to conclude that using devices such as the Theragun on the shoulders and neck can trigger a rare condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

They found that the powerful vibrations emitted by these devices could potentially disrupt the delicate balance mechanism in the ear, resulting in vertigo.

In a case report published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, the researchers recommended that manufacturers issue general warnings about the risk of vertigo associated with using these devices, particularly near the head and upper neck.

Theragun is a popular brand of massager in the US, accounting for 71 percent of the market share. While the original Theragun retails for $149, other brands like HyperVolt and RecoverFun offer similar products for $199 and $99, respectively.

These massagers are designed to provide deep tissue massage to alleviate muscle soreness, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull.

Vertigo occurs when there is a disruption in the balance system of the inner ear, which can be caused by various factors, including head trauma and frequent vibrations. BPPV is a relatively rare condition, affecting approximately 3.2 percent of individuals each year.

The disturbance to the organs that control balance in the inner ear, known as the vestibular system, can lead to vertigo symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, nausea, lightheadedness, and vomiting.

According to Dr. Nazarian, vertigo triggered by vibrations may be underreported, and even the use of electric toothbrushes could potentially induce the condition. Other activities like cycling on uneven terrain and intense aerobic exercise have also been linked to cases of vertigo.

The authors of the study suggest that the rapid and forceful vibrations produced by massage guns could jostle the delicate structures responsible for balance in the inner ear, resulting in vertigo symptoms. Users of these devices should be aware of the potential risks associated with their use to prevent the development of BPPV.