Dizziness & BPPV
Treatment in Oxford
Dizziness can be disorienting and debilitating — and identifying its exact type and cause is the essential first step to resolving it. At Northwood Chiropractic, Dr. Steve Hulme uses the Gonstead System alongside specialist assessment to find and address the root cause of your dizziness.
Oxford Chiropractor
Three Types of Dizziness
Dizziness is not a single symptom — it presents in three distinct forms, each with different underlying causes and requiring different approaches to treatment. Getting to the root cause requires understanding which type you are experiencing.
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we recognise that thorough analysis is the foundation of effective care. One of the most common causes of dizziness we see in clinic is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — but we also assess the cervical spine, which plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation that is frequently overlooked.
Whatever the cause, identifying it precisely is what allows us to provide a targeted approach that addresses the problem at its root — rather than simply managing symptoms as they arise.
Common Dizziness Symptoms
- Spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by head movement
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Unsteadiness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting alongside dizziness
- Symptoms worst first thing in the morning
- Episodes lasting seconds to minutes with movement
- Dizziness when lying down, rolling over, or looking up
- Neck stiffness or pain accompanying dizziness episodes
BPPV — Understanding
the Mechanism
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in your inner ear become displaced from their normal position. These crystals are responsible for detecting gravity and head movement — when they end up in the wrong part of the inner ear, they send false signals to the brain, triggering the sensation of spinning.
The Epley Maneuver — a specific series of head movements — is widely recognised as the gold standard treatment for BPPV. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we combine this with a thorough assessment of the cervical spine. This is because the spine is integral to proper nervous system function — and addressing any spinal misalignment that may be contributing is what prevents the problem from returning.
Sudden spinning sensation lasting up to 30 seconds with specific head movements — particularly rolling over in bed, lying down, or looking upward
Many patients experience their worst symptoms first thing in the morning — the crystals settle overnight and disturb easily with the first head movements of the day
A series of precise head and body movements that guide the displaced crystals back to their correct position — highly effective when performed correctly
BPPV frequently recurs when the underlying nervous system and spinal factors contributing to crystal displacement are not addressed — which is why our assessment goes beyond the maneuver alone
Common Causes of Dizziness
Through our detailed assessment, we identify the cause of your dizziness before recommending any treatment. The three most common presentations we see are:
BPPV
The most common cause of vertigo — displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear sending false spinning signals to the brain. Highly treatable with the Epley Maneuver, combined with cervical spine assessment to address contributing factors and prevent recurrence.
- Triggered by specific head positions or movements
- Episodes typically last under 30 seconds
- Often worst in the morning
- Responds excellently to the Epley Maneuver
- Spinal assessment essential to prevent recurrence
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Dizziness arising from the cervical spine — often overlooked but extremely common. The neck contains proprioceptors (position sensors) that communicate with the brain's balance centres. Misalignment or dysfunction in the cervical spine disrupts these signals, causing dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulty with balance.
- Associated with neck stiffness, pain, or restricted movement
- Often worsened by sustained head positions or sudden movements
- Frequently present alongside BPPV
- Responds well to specific Gonstead cervical adjustments
- Nervoscope scanning identifies the precise levels involved
Nervous System Imbalance
The nervous system relies on accurate input from the inner ear, eyes, and proprioceptors in the spine and joints to maintain balance. Spinal misalignment interferes with the quality of this information reaching the brain — contributing to dizziness, lightheadedness, and unsteadiness that may not have an obvious positional trigger.
- Dizziness without a clear positional trigger
- Often accompanied by fatigue or brain fog
- Spinal misalignment disrupts nervous system signalling
- Addressing cervical spine function often reduces symptoms significantly
- Full neurological assessment at every first appointment
Treatment for Dizziness
& BPPV in Oxford
What sets our approach apart is that we don't simply focus on the symptoms in isolation — we ask why this occurred in the first place. By identifying and addressing the underlying issue, we get better results and — more importantly — lasting results.
Our assessment combines specialist dizziness testing with the Gonstead System of spinal analysis, giving us a complete picture of what is contributing to your symptoms before any treatment begins.
- 1
Full Health History
We take the time to understand your dizziness in detail — when it started, what triggers it, how long episodes last, and what makes it better or worse.
- 2
Dix-Hallpike & Positional Testing
Specific clinical tests to confirm whether BPPV is present and identify which ear canal is affected — essential for performing the Epley Maneuver correctly.
- 3
Cervical Spine Assessment
Full assessment of the cervical spine including Nervoscope nerve scanning, structural analysis, and motion testing — to identify any spinal misalignment contributing to your dizziness.
- 4
Neurological Testing
Reflex, balance, and coordination testing to assess nervous system function and rule out conditions requiring referral to a medical specialist.
- 5
Results & Personalised Plan
At your second visit, we explain exactly what we found and present a clear care plan — whether that involves the Epley Maneuver, spinal adjustments, or both.
When to Seek Urgent Help
While most dizziness has a benign cause, seek urgent medical attention if you experience: sudden severe dizziness with chest pain or difficulty breathing; dizziness with weakness, numbness, or speech difficulty; dizziness following a head injury; or new dizziness in anyone with a history of stroke or heart disease.
Steven has helped to relieve my BPPV using the Epley manoeuvre, and also with tightness and reduction of movement in the shoulder. Your treatment plan has worked in ways that physio and massage have never been able to resolve.
Dizziness & BPPV — FAQs
Can a Chiropractor help with dizziness?
Yes. Many forms of dizziness — including BPPV, cervicogenic dizziness, and balance problems linked to nervous system dysfunction — respond well to Chiropractic care. Our approach combines the Epley Maneuver for BPPV with a thorough assessment of the cervical spine, addressing both the immediate cause and the underlying spinal factors that may have contributed.
What is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced, triggering false spinning sensations with certain head movements. Episodes typically last up to 30 seconds and are often worst first thing in the morning. It responds very well to the Epley Maneuver when performed correctly.
What is the Epley Maneuver?
The Epley Maneuver is a series of specific head and body movements designed to guide the displaced crystals in the inner ear back to their correct position. It is widely recognised as the gold standard treatment for BPPV and is highly effective when performed correctly. At Northwood Chiropractic, we combine this with a spinal assessment to address contributing cervical factors and prevent recurrence.
What causes dizziness?
Dizziness can present as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation (vertigo). Common causes include BPPV, cervicogenic dizziness arising from the cervical spine, nervous system imbalance due to spinal misalignment, inner ear problems, and blood pressure changes. Identifying which type you have is the essential first step — different causes require different approaches.
Why does my dizziness keep coming back?
Recurring dizziness — particularly recurring BPPV — often indicates the underlying cause has not been fully addressed. While the Epley Maneuver is effective at repositioning displaced crystals, if the spinal misalignment or nervous system dysfunction that contributed remains unaddressed, the problem is likely to recur. This is why our assessment goes beyond the maneuver alone.
Is Chiropractic treatment safe for dizziness?
Yes. Chiropractic care for dizziness is safe when delivered by a qualified, registered practitioner following a thorough assessment. Dr. Steve Hulme is registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the United Chiropractic Association (UCA). Every patient receives a full neurological and vestibular assessment before any treatment begins.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners and you can book directly without a GP referral. If your assessment reveals anything outside our scope of care, we will refer you to the appropriate professional promptly.
feeling better?
