Vertigo and dizziness: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to vertigo and dizziness — the common causes and how they are assessed and treated.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- BPPV (an inner-ear problem) is a very common, treatable cause of vertigo.
- Some dizziness is cervicogenic (neck-related).
- Accurate diagnosis guides the right treatment.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, which is different from general light-headedness.
It has many possible causes. The most common is BPPV, an inner-ear condition, but vertigo and dizziness can also relate to the vestibular system, migraines, or the neck.
What causes vertigo and dizziness?
Common causes include inner-ear conditions such as BPPV, vestibular problems, migraine, and neck-related (cervicogenic) dizziness.
- BPPV — brief spinning triggered by head movements
- Vestibular conditions affecting the balance system
- Vestibular migraine
- Cervicogenic dizziness linked to neck dysfunction
How is vertigo treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, and may include repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation, or neck treatment for cervicogenic dizziness.
Because causes differ, an accurate assessment is essential. BPPV often responds quickly to specific manoeuvres, while other causes benefit from tailored rehabilitation.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for neck-related dizziness is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for dizziness with sudden severe headache, slurred speech, facial droop, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking — these can signal a stroke.
Sciatica FAQs
What is the most common cause of vertigo?
BPPV, a treatable inner-ear condition that causes brief spinning with certain head movements, is one of the most common causes.
Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Yes. Cervicogenic dizziness is linked to neck dysfunction and can improve when the neck is treated, once other causes are ruled out.
Is vertigo dangerous?
Most vertigo is not dangerous, but dizziness with stroke-like symptoms needs emergency care. An assessment helps identify the cause.
Can physiotherapy help vertigo?
Yes, for many causes. Repositioning manoeuvres, vestibular rehabilitation and neck treatment are effective for the appropriate diagnoses.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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