Vertigo Explained: How BPPV Causes Dizziness

Vertigo Explained: How BPPV Causes Dizziness and How the Epley Manoeuvre Can Help

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. Many people worry that dizziness means something serious, but one of the most common causes of vertigo is actually very treatable.

That condition is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and at our chiropractic clinic, we help patients manage and resolve it using a simple, evidence-based technique called the Epley Manoeuvre.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a symptom. It’s the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when there’s no actual motion. Vertigo can be brief or persistent and may come with:

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems

• A feeling of being “off” or unsteady

There are several possible causes of vertigo, but BPPV is the most common, especially in adults.

What Is BPPV?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo sounds intimidating, but the name actually tells us a lot:

• Benign – not life-threatening

• Paroxysmal – comes in sudden, brief episodes

• Positional – triggered by certain head movements

• Vertigo – the spinning sensation

What Causes BPPV?

Inside your inner ear are tiny crystals. Their job is to help your brain detect head movement and maintain balance.

Sometimes, due to aging, minor trauma, whiplash, concussions, or even no clear reason—these crystals become dislodged and move into the wrong part of the inner ear.

When this happens, certain head movements send confusing signals to the brain, resulting in sudden vertigo.

Common Symptoms of BPPV

BPPV episodes are usually brief (seconds to a minute) but can be intense. They’re often triggered by:

• Rolling over in bed

• Getting in or out of bed

• Looking up or down

• Bending forward

• Turning your head quickly

Because of these triggers, many people start avoiding movement, which can actually make balance issues worse over time and increase neck and shoulder tension.

How the Epley Manoeuvre Helps

The Epley Manoeuvre is a gentle, guided sequence of head and body movements designed to reposition the loose crystals back to where they belong in the inner ear.

Why It Works

Instead of masking symptoms, the Epley Manoeuvre addresses the root cause of BPPV by using gravity to move the crystals out of the semi-circular canals and into an area where they can no longer cause vertigo.

For many patients, relief is dramatic—sometimes after just one or two treatments.

Can a Chiropractor Perform the Epley Manoeuvre?

Yes. Chiropractors are trained in evaluating balance issues related to the spine and nervous system, and many are experienced in identifying and treating BPPV.

At our clinic, we:

• Take a detailed history to confirm whether BPPV is likely

• Rule out red flags that may require medical referral

• Perform the Epley Manoeuvre safely and correctly

• Provide guidance on post-treatment care and movement

Because neck mobility and positioning matter during the manoeuvre, having it performed by a trained professional is especially important, particularly for patients with neck pain, arthritis, or a history of injury.

What to Expect After Treatment

After the Epley Manoeuvre, some people feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over a few days. You may experience mild dizziness temporarily as your brain recalibrates.

We’ll also advise you on:

• Safe movement strategies

• When to return for follow-up care

• Exercises or lifestyle tips to reduce recurrence

While BPPV can come back, prompt treatment often shortens episodes and improves confidence with movement.

When to Seek Care for Vertigo

You should always seek professional evaluation if vertigo is:

• New or worsening

• Accompanied by severe headaches, vision changes, or numbness

• Following a fall, accident, or head injury

Not all vertigo is BPPV, which is why proper assessment matters.

Helping You Find Your Balance Again

Vertigo can be frightening and disruptive, but BPPV is one of the most treatable causes of dizziness. With the right diagnosis and care, many patients return to normal activities quickly and safely.

If you’re experiencing vertigo or suspect BPPV, our chiropractic clinic can help determine whether the Epley Manoeuvre is right for you and guide you toward lasting relief.

Contact our clinic today to schedule an assessment and get back to feeling steady and confident again.