Finding Your Balance Again: How Osteopathy Can Help with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

If you’ve ever felt the room suddenly start spinning when you turn your head or roll over in bed, you’re not alone. These brief but unsettling sensations are often caused by a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and while it can feel alarming, it’s very common and treatable.

At our clinic, we regularly see patients with dizziness and balance issues (including our Osteopath Kate!) where Osteopathic treatment can play a valuable role in helping you regain stability and confidence.

What Is BPPV?

Inside your inner ear there is a tiny crystal that helps your body sense movement and balance. Sometimes, this crystal becomes dislodged and can move into areas it shouldn’t be, sending the wrong signals to your brain. The result is a spinning or dizzy sensation, especially when you move your head in certain directions.

You might notice:

• Sudden bouts of dizziness or vertigo.
• Feeling light-headed or unsteady.
• Nausea during episodes.
• Symptoms triggered by lying down, sitting up, or looking up or down.

Although BPPV isn’t dangerous, it can make everyday activities feel uncomfortable or even scary.

How Osteopathy Can Help:

Osteopathy focuses on how your body’s structure and movement influence your overall function and wellbeing. When it comes to BPPV, Osteopathic care can help by supporting your body’s natural balance and easing tension or restriction that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Gentle Assessment and Care

We’ll start with a thorough assessment to understand your symptoms and rule out other causes of dizziness.

2. Repositioning Manoeuvres

Specific, gentle techniques can help guide the inner-ear crystal back to where it belongs. Many patients experience significant relief after just one session. However, more may be needed in certain cases.

3. Addressing Tension and Posture

Neck and upper-back stiffness can sometimes worsen dizziness symptoms. Through gentle soft-tissue release, mobilisation, and postural advice, your Osteopath can help ease these contributing factors.

4. Restoring Confidence and Balance

As your symptoms settle, we’ll guide you through simple home exercises and lifestyle tips to help restore your balance, improve confidence, and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.

Kate's Story:

“I’d been under a lot of stress after going through a divorce, and it really started to take a toll on me physically. One morning, I sat up in bed and suddenly felt like I was spinning - it was as if the whole room was going round in circles. The next day, it got worse. I bent down to tie my shoelaces and the dizziness hit again, even stronger.

I decided to book in with my friend, who’s an Osteopath, to see if they could help. We’ve been working on it together, and now, two weeks on, I’m feeling so much better. I still have a bit of stiffness in my neck and shoulder, and some lower back pain, including slight systems of BPPV. Overall, I’m improving a lot.

Taking time for myself has made a big difference too. I’ve been listening to Mel Robbins’ podcasts, which have really helped me focus on looking after myself and managing stress.

It’s been a tough few weeks, but I’m definitely on the mend - both physically and mentally”. - Kate

A Gentle Path Back to Balance

Vertigo can be unsettling, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, most people make a full recovery.

Book an appointment with us at https://brixworthosteopathy.janeapp.co.uk/