Can an Osteopath Help with Vertigo?

Understanding Vertigo and How Osteopathy Can Help

Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy. Many people describe it as a spinning sensation, a feeling of being off balance, or as though the room is moving around them. It can be unsettling, disruptive, and in some cases, severely impact day-to-day life.

At Seventeen Physio, we regularly assess patients experiencing vertigo and dizziness. While vertigo can have several underlying causes, osteopathy can play a valuable role in both identifying the source and supporting effective treatment where appropriate.

The key to successful treatment is accurate diagnosis.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a condition itself but a symptom. It can stem from issues within the inner ear, the neck, or the nervous system.

Below are some of the most common causes we see in clinical practice.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear become displaced and interfere with normal balance signals.

Common symptoms of BPPV include:

• Brief episodes of spinning sensations

• Symptoms triggered by head movements (e.g. rolling in bed or looking up)

• Nausea or a feeling of imbalance

• Sudden onset of dizziness

BPPV is often highly treatable and responds well to a specific repositioning technique known as the Epley manoeuvre.

Neck-Related (Cervicogenic) Dizziness

In some cases, dizziness is not coming from the inner ear at all but from dysfunction in the neck. This is referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.

Typical symptoms include:

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Headaches

• Dizziness linked to neck movement

• A general sense of imbalance rather than spinning

This type of dizziness is often associated with poor posture, prolonged desk work, or previous neck injuries.

At Seventeen Physio, we frequently treat this presentation using a combination of osteopathy and physiotherapy techniques to restore normal movement and reduce muscular tension.

How an Osteopath Assesses Vertigo

Before any treatment begins, a thorough assessment is essential. This ensures that the cause of vertigo is correctly identified and that treatment is both safe and effective.

A full osteopathic assessment may include:

• A detailed discussion of your symptoms

• Identifying triggers and duration of episodes

• Neurological screening

• Balance and eye movement testing

• Examination of the neck and upper spine

• Positional testing for BPPV

Crucially, osteopaths are trained to identify red flag symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition.

Red flags include:

• Sudden severe headache

• Slurred speech

• Facial drooping

• Weakness in limbs

• Sudden hearing loss

If any of these are present, immediate medical referral is essential.

The Epley Manoeuvre for Vertigo

If BPPV is diagnosed, an osteopath trained in vestibular treatment may perform the Epley manoeuvre.

This is a sequence of guided head movements designed to reposition the displaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they belong.

Key benefits of the Epley manoeuvre:

• Non-invasive and quick to perform

• Often provides immediate relief

• High success rate for BPPV

• May resolve symptoms within 1–2 sessions

Many patients report a significant reduction in dizziness after just one treatment.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Vertigo

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach, focusing on how the body’s structure affects its function.

Depending on the cause of your vertigo, treatment may include:

For BPPV:

• Epley manoeuvre or similar repositioning techniques

For neck-related dizziness:

• Gentle joint mobilisation

• Soft tissue release

• Postural correction advice

• Exercise-based rehabilitation

For general balance issues:

• Movement and coordination exercises

• Advice on activity modification

The goal is not just to relieve symptoms, but to address the underlying cause and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

When Should You See an Osteopath for Vertigo?

You may benefit from osteopathic assessment if you are experiencing:

• Recurrent dizziness or vertigo

• Symptoms triggered by movement

• Neck pain alongside dizziness

• Unexplained balance issues

Early assessment can often lead to faster recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Conclusion

Vertigo can be distressing, but with the right assessment and treatment, it is often highly manageable.

An osteopath can help determine whether your symptoms are linked to the inner ear, the neck, or another source. From there, appropriate treatment such as the Epley manoeuvre or targeted manual therapy can be provided.

Just as importantly, osteopaths are trained to recognise when symptoms require further medical investigation, ensuring you receive the right care at the right time.

If you are experiencing vertigo or ongoing dizziness, our team at Seventeen Physio is here to help.

FAQs About Vertigo and Osteopathy

Can osteopathy cure vertigo?

Osteopathy can be highly effective for certain types of vertigo, particularly BPPV and cervicogenic dizziness. While not all vertigo can be “cured” with manual therapy, many patients experience significant symptom relief and improved function following treatment. The key is accurate diagnosis, as treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Is the Epley manoeuvre safe?

Yes, when performed by a trained professional, the Epley manoeuvre is a safe and well-established treatment for BPPV. Some patients may feel temporary dizziness during the procedure, but this usually settles quickly. It is important that it is carried out following a proper assessment.

How quickly can vertigo improve with treatment?

This depends on the cause. BPPV often improves within one or two sessions using repositioning techniques. Neck-related dizziness may take a few sessions, particularly if it has developed over time due to posture or tension. Your osteopath will provide a tailored treatment plan.

Can neck problems really cause dizziness?

Yes, the neck plays an important role in balance and spatial awareness. Dysfunction in the cervical spine can disrupt signals sent to the brain, leading to dizziness or imbalance. This is known as cervicogenic dizziness and is commonly treated with osteopathy and physiotherapy.

Should I see a GP before an osteopath for vertigo?

If your symptoms are sudden, severe, or accompanied by red flags such as speech difficulties or weakness, you should seek urgent medical attention. For ongoing or mild-to-moderate symptoms, an osteopath can assess and guide whether treatment or referral is most appropriate.

Can vertigo come back after treatment?

Yes, particularly with BPPV, vertigo can recur. However, early treatment often resolves symptoms quickly again. Your practitioner may also provide advice and exercises to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a general term that can include light-headedness or feeling faint. Vertigo specifically refers to a spinning sensation, often linked to inner ear or balance system dysfunction. Identifying the difference is important for effective treatment.

Do you offer vertigo treatment at Seventeen Physio?

Yes, we assess and treat patients with vertigo at our London clinic. Our team can determine whether your symptoms are suitable for osteopathic or physiotherapy treatment and provide a tailored approach to your recovery.