If you’ve ever felt like the room is spinning when you roll over in bed, look up, or bend down, you know how unsettling vertigo can be. It’s natural to worry when you feel off-balance, but the good news is that one of the most common causes of vertigo is very treatable.
This condition is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). At our Gourock clinic, we help our clients find sustainable relief using a simple, evidence-based technique called the Epley Manoeuvre.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo isn’t a diagnosis in itself – it’s a symptom. It’s the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving when everything is actually still. It can be brief or persistent and often comes with:
- Nausea or a “queasy” stomach.
- Balance problems or feeling “off-kilter.”
- A general sense of being unsteady on your feet.
While there are several reasons you might feel dizzy, BPPV is the most frequent cause we see in the clinic, especially in adults.
Understanding BPPV: The "Crystals" in Your Ear
The name sounds intimidating, but it actually describes the condition perfectly: Benign (not life-threatening), Paroxysmal (sudden, brief episodes), Positional (triggered by head movements), and Vertigo (the spinning).
Inside your inner ear, you have tiny calcium crystals. Their job is to tell your brain where your head is in relation to gravity, helping you maintain natural alignment and balance.
Sometimes—due to ageing, a minor bump, whiplash, or even for no clear reason—these crystals become dislodged and migrate into the wrong part of the inner ear (the semi-circular canals). When you move your head, these loose crystals send confusing signals to your brain, resulting in that sudden spinning sensation.
Common Triggers
BPPV episodes are usually intense but short, often triggered by:
- Rolling over or getting out of bed.
- Looking up at a high shelf or bending down to tie laces.
- Turning your head quickly while walking in Inverclyde’s fresh air.
Because of these triggers, many people start avoiding movement, which can actually lead to increased neck stiffness and a loss of mobility.
How the Epley Manoeuvre Helps
The Epley Manoeuvre is a gentle, guided sequence of head and body movements. It is designed to use gravity to “float” those loose crystals back to where they belong, where they can no longer cause vertigo.
Why it works:
Instead of just masking the symptoms with medication, this manoeuvre addresses the root cause. For many of our patients, the relief is dramatic – sometimes after just one or two sessions.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?
Yes. Chiropractors are highly trained in evaluating the nervous system and how it relates to balance. At our clinic, Fiona will:
- Confirm the Cause: Take a detailed history to ensure BPPV is the likely culprit.
- Safety First: Rule out any “red flags” that might require a medical referral.
- Gentle Care: Perform the Epley Manoeuvre safely. Because neck positioning is key during the move, having a professional guide you is essential—especially if you have a history of neck pain or arthritis.
What to Expect After Your Session
Some people feel an immediate reset, while others notice a gradual improvement over a few days as the brain recalibrates. We will provide you with a recovery plan, including:
- Safe movement strategies for the next 24 hours.
- Gentle exercises to help your balance system settle.
- Advice on when to return for a follow-up “tune-up.”
Helping You Feel Steady Again
Vertigo can be frightening, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right diagnosis and functional care, most people return to their normal activities quickly and confidently.
If you’re feeling unsteady, give our local team a call on 01475 602 028.
Let’s help you find your balance again.
