What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy. It refers to a false sense of motion — either that you are moving when you’re not, or that the world around you is spinning. Vertigo can come on suddenly and may be brief or long-lasting. For some people, it can feel disorienting, frightening and make everyday activities like driving, working or walking down the street feel unsafe.
While vertigo is often linked to problems in the inner ear or balance centres of the brain, it can also be caused by issues in the neck or spine. At the North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we see many people living with persistent or recurring dizziness and help them find a clearer path forward.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. You may experience:
- A spinning or swaying sensation
- Feeling like you or your surroundings are moving
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or motion sensitivity
- Headaches or neck discomfort
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased fatigue or anxiety
Some people describe it as feeling like they’ve just stepped off a boat. Others notice their symptoms worsen when they turn their head, lie down, or get up from bed.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo has many potential causes. These include:
- Peripheral vertigo which relates to conditions affecting the organs of balance within the inner ear. These include: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, PPPD, vestibular hypofunction
- Central vertigo which relates to conditions affecting the brain and brainstem. These include: vestibular migraine, cerebellar dysfunction, vascular pathology, multiple sclerosis
Peripheral causes are by far more common than central causes, and are often very treatable with either vestibular rehabilitation, canalith repositioning maneuvers or habituation exercises. Central causes are more concerning (except for vestibular migraine, which is unpleasant but not dangerous) and if suspected, we will provide you a referral to further investigate.
When Should You Seek Help?
Vertigo should always be investigated to rule out more serious causes and improve vestibular function. The following scenarios are particularly important to follow-up on:
- New onset of vertigo
- Vertigo is worsening over time
- It interferes with your ability to work, drive or perform daily tasks
- You notice associated symptoms such as ringing in the ears, vision changes, or trouble walking
- You’ve had a recent injury or illness affecting your head or neck
- Your symptoms are associated with vision loss, headache, balance or speech deficits
If symptoms persist or affect your quality of life, getting the right care early can make a big difference.
How We May Be Able to Help
At the North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre in Ballina, we take a whole-body approach to understanding the cause of your vertigo. We have additional training in managing dizziness and vertigo and work closely with you to identify possible triggers and provide practical tools to support recovery.
Our treatment may involve:
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers
- Habituation exercises to desensitise your system to input
- Vestibular rehabilitation to retrain your balance system
- Education around your condition
- Hands-on manual therapy to any areas that are dysfunctional and relevant to your complaint (jaw, neck, shoulders)
Every person’s experience with vertigo is different. That’s why we tailor care to your specific needs, based on a detailed case history and physical assessment.
Our Focus Is Long-Term Relief
We know how disruptive vertigo can be, physically, emotionally and mentally. Our goal is to help reduce symptoms, improve balance and give you back confidence in your daily life. Where needed, we’ll also work collaboratively with your GP, audiologist or other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive plan.
If you are experiencing ongoing dizziness, vertigo or unexplained balance issues, you are not alone. There are effective options available and you do not have to navigate it without support.
Looking for Support With Vertigo?
At the North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we offer personalised care for dizziness, vertigo and balance-related issues for patients across the Northern Rivers. Book an appointment today or contact us to discuss whether osteopathy may be able to help.