By Shreya Tiwari, Vestibular Physiotherapist at angli-EAR Hearing
Have you ever felt like the world is spinning around you or that you’re swaying even when standing still? Dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling, often leaving people confused, anxious, and unsure of what to do next. For many, this isn’t just a one-time experience—it’s a recurring issue that disrupts daily life.
Dizziness and balance problems are far more common than people realise, yet they are often brushed aside. Many assume it’s just a normal part of getting older or something they must “put up with.” In reality, dizziness is not something to ignore—especially when it interferes with work, hobbies, or social activities.
As a Vestibular Physiotherapist at angli-EAR Hearing in Great Shelford, I see many clients who feel stuck with these symptoms, believing they just have to “live with it.” But the good news is—you don’t have to.
Not All Dizziness Is the Same
There are many reasons why people feel dizzy, and in most cases, it isnt a sign of anything serious. Low blood sugar, dehydration, standing up too quickly, and even stress can all cause temporary lightheadedness. Some medications list dizziness as a side effect, while neck problems, such as arthritis or muscle tension, can also contribute.
However, when dizziness becomes frequent or persistent, it could be linked to an underlying issue that needs attention. Inner ear disorders, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraines, or Meniere’s disease, are among the most common causes. In some cases, the brain and inner ear struggle to communicate properly, leading to ongoing balance problems.
Sally’s Story: When Dizziness Becomes More Than an Inconvenience
One of my clients, Sally, first experienced dizziness at a salon while having her hair washed. At first, she dismissed it, but soon, everyday movements—looking up, rolling over in bed, or turning her head—triggered the same spinning sensation. She avoided activities she once enjoyed, like yoga and swimming, out of fear.
She tried a self-administered Epley manoeuvre, a common repositioning technique for BPPV, but it only made things worse. When she finally sought help, we found that tiny crystals in her inner ear had moved into multiple wrong positions (BPPV), causing her vertigo. On top of that, tension in her neck was also contributing to her dizziness. Through a personalised plan of vestibular therapy, neck exercises, and precise repositioning techniques, her symptoms improved significantly. Within weeks, she regained her confidence—and could finally enjoy a trip to the salon without fear.
Sarah’s Story: When Dizziness Disrupts Daily Life
Sarah came to the clinic after experiencing dizziness and vertigo for six months. Her episodes felt like the room was spinning, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. These dizzy spells were often accompanied by mild to moderate headaches, particularly around her temples. She also noticed that bright lights and loud noises made things worse.
Her symptoms were unpredictable but tended to be at their worst around her menstrual cycle. Sometimes, turning her head quickly triggered the dizziness, but there was no clear pattern. The symptoms started interfering with her work—she found it hard to focus and even had to leave early on particularly bad days.
After a detailed assessment, we diagnosed Sarah with Vestibular Migraine—a condition where vertigo or dizziness occurs alongside headaches, often with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances. Vestibular migraine is frequently misdiagnosed because it shares symptoms with other inner ear conditions like BPPV or vestibular neuritis.
After three months of tailored management—including lifestyle adjustments, stress reduction, and a preventive plan—Sarah saw a huge improvement. Her dizzy episodes became less frequent and less severe, and her headaches also reduced. With the right approach, she was finally able to regain control of her daily life.
Why Seeking Help Early Matters
Dizziness can start as a mild nuisance, but if left untreated, it often worsens. Many people begin avoiding certain movements to prevent triggering symptoms, which can lead to muscle stiffness, increased fall risk, and even anxiety about everyday activities. The good news is that most balance-related dizziness is highly treatable.
A specialist vestibular physiotherapist can help identify the root cause and create a tailored treatment plan. This might include specific repositioning manoeuvres for inner ear issues, vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain balance, or physiotherapy for neck-related dizziness. Small lifestyle adjustments, such as managing stress or recognising migraine triggers, can also make a big difference.
Take Back Control
Dizziness is frustrating, but it’s not something you have to live with. Early intervention can make a life-changing difference, helping you regain your confidence and independence. If you or someone you know is struggling with persistent dizziness, don’t wait—seeking professional help could be the first step toward getting back to normal.
Ready to stop “putting up with it”?
For expert Balance and Vestibular Assessments and Rehabilitation or a FREE Balance Health Check, visit our Vestibular and Balance pages and take your first step toward feeling steady, confident, and in control again.
