Feeling dizzy or off balance is one of those symptoms that can really throw you. It might come on suddenly when you roll over in bed, turn your head quickly, or stand up too fast.
Some people feel like the room is spinning, while others describe a constant sense of unsteadiness, like they’re walking on a moving floor. However it shows up for you, vertigo can be extremely unsettling and frustrating.
The good news is that in many cases, physiotherapy can help, and often quite quickly.
At Activate, we regularly work with people experiencing vertigo and dizziness. Whether your symptoms have been lingering for weeks or only just started, we’re here to help you feel steady again.
So, what actually is vertigo?
Vertigo isn’t a condition on its own. It’s a symptom, and it’s one we take seriously because it can significantly affect your confidence and overall quality of life. You might feel like the world is spinning or tilting, or that you’re constantly off balance. Some people also experience nausea, blurred vision, or a general sense of feeling “off.”
Often, vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. One of the most common causes is something called BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). This happens when tiny crystals in your inner ear move into the wrong place and send confusing signals to your brain about your position in space. The result is often sudden, brief episodes of dizziness when changing positions.
Other causes of vertigo can include inner ear infections, inflammation of the balance nerve (called vestibular neuritis), or conditions such as Meniere’s disease. In some cases, vertigo can occur after a concussion or head injury.
Did you know jaw and upper neck pain can also contribute to dizziness?
This may come as a surprise, but dysfunction in the upper neck (especially around the top two vertebrae) or jaw tension can influence your balance and cause symptoms like dizziness or that “off” sensation.
The upper neck is closely connected with your vestibular system, your vision, and your sense of body awareness (also known as proprioception). If something isn’t moving properly in the neck, such as a joint restriction, muscle tension, or nerve irritation, it can interrupt the messages sent to your brain about your position and movement, leading to dizziness or imbalance.
Similarly, the jaw joint (or temporomandibular joint) is located close to nerves and muscles that help control posture and spatial awareness. People with TMJ dysfunction often report headaches, neck tightness, and facial pain. In some cases, they also experience dizziness as part of the picture.
If your dizziness is accompanied by jaw pain, clicking, neck stiffness, or frequent headaches, it’s important to consider these areas as part of the assessment and treatment process.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy is highly effective for many types of vertigo and dizziness, including those related to the inner ear, the neck, or the jaw.
We begin with a thorough assessment. This includes asking about your symptoms, how they started, and what seems to trigger or relieve them. We also carry out specific movement and balance tests to identify the root cause of your dizziness.
If your symptoms are due to BPPV, we may use a repositioning technique such as the Epley manoeuvre. This involves a series of gentle guided head and body movements that help return the dislodged crystals in the inner ear to their correct position. People often experience noticeable relief after just one or two sessions.
If your dizziness appears to be related to neck or jaw issues, treatment may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, postural correction, and strategies like dry needling or jaw relaxation techniques. Our goal is to restore proper movement and reduce tension or nerve sensitivity in the affected areas.
For other causes of dizziness, we may recommend vestibular rehabilitation exercises. These are tailored to your needs and designed to retrain your brain and body to work together effectively. The focus is on improving balance, eye tracking, and reducing your sensitivity to movement. While the exercises can be a little challenging at times, they are gentle, safe, and very effective.
You don’t have to wait it out
Many people are told their dizziness will go away with time. While that may be true in some situations, waiting it out is not always the best solution, especially when treatment can provide quicker and longer-lasting relief.
Whether your symptoms are mild or more intense, short-term or ongoing, we’re here to help you feel steady and confident again.
If you’re tired of feeling dizzy, off balance, or unsure on your feet — and especially if you’ve been dealing with neck or jaw tension at the same time — let’s talk. You don’t have to live with vertigo, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.