Vertigo Treatment Oakville
Many patients searching for vertigo treatment in Oakville experience sudden episodes of spinning, dizziness, nausea, or imbalance that can appear when rolling over in bed, bending forward, or looking upward. Vertigo is often caused by dysfunction in the inner ear balance system, but it can also originate from the cervical spine or surrounding muscles.
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, our Oakville chiropractors frequently treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common form of vertigo. BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals inside the inner ear become displaced and disrupt the balance system.
Through a careful assessment, our clinic identifies whether symptoms are coming from the inner ear, cervical joint dysfunction, or another cause before creating a personalized treatment plan. Upper cervical dysfunction can contribute to dizziness and vertigo symptoms along with neck pain.
The terms ‘vertigo’ and ‘dizziness’ are often used interchangeably. Our Oakville Chiropractic Team can treat both types of vertigo and have been treating it for over 15 years. Both terms refer to symptoms of feeling uneasy, unbalanced and unpleasant. These symptoms can be caused by a few different conditions, but the most common is BPPV. More can be learned on vertigo and treatment here.
If your vertigo or dizziness symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.
What is Vertigo and BPPV?
Vertigo is the sensation that you are spinning, or that the world is spinning around you. Dizziness refers to lightheadedness, faintness and unsteadiness. BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
Our Oakville Vertigo treatment team says 50 – 60% of all vertigo patients coming into our clinic has BPPV. As the name suggests, this condition is not caused by any scary central nervous system problems – it is benign in nature. However, it causes episodic, sudden and severe episodes of vertigo that can be extremely debilitating.
The position of the head and body can trigger these vertigo attacks and BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Our Oakville Chiropractors use a combination of complex positions, manual adjustments, at home advice and IFC therapy to help treat BPPV. Dr. Jenn and Dr. Steve see amazing results in less then 5 visits with most patients. If your vertigo started after a head trauma please see our treatment for concussions including acupuncture.
Symptoms of Vertigo Oakville – BPPV
Vertigo symptoms can feel alarming and disruptive, especially when the room seems to spin, tilt, or shift with simple head movements. Many patients in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga describe vertigo as a sudden sensation of motion even when they are standing still.
Common symptoms include dizziness, spinning, loss of balance, unsteadiness while walking, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, motion sensitivity, and difficulty focusing. Some people also notice symptoms when rolling over in bed, looking up, bending forward, or turning quickly.
Because vertigo can be related to inner ear dysfunction, positional changes, vestibular disorders, or other neurological causes, a thorough clinical assessment is important. At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, we carefully examine vertigo symptoms, balance changes, and movement triggers to help determine the most likely source of dizziness and whether further medical evaluation is needed.
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Episodic
- Sudden onset,
- Short duration (lasting a few seconds to a few minutes)
- Attacks triggered by change in position
Patients across Oakville and the surrounding area often seek care when vertigo begins interfering with daily life.
What is the Cause of BPPV Vertigo?
The most common cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) involves a disturbance within the inner ear balance system. Inside the inner ear is a structure called the utricle, which contains tiny calcium carbonate crystals known as otoliths. These crystals play an important role in helping the brain detect head movement, gravity, and body orientation. When functioning normally, the otoliths help the brain accurately interpret motion and maintain balance.
In BPPV, these small calcium crystals become dislodged from the utricle and migrate into one of the semicircular canals of the inner ear. When the head changes position — such as rolling in bed, bending forward, or looking upward — the displaced crystals move within the canal and send incorrect signals to the brain. This mismatch between the inner ear and visual system produces the spinning sensation known as vertigo.
Research published in otolaryngology and vestibular medicine has shown that BPPV occurs when displaced otoconia interfere with normal fluid movement inside the semicircular canals, triggering abnormal balance signals to the brain. Clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Cervical Spine Surgery emphasize accurate diagnosis of BPPV using positional testing and recommend canalith repositioning procedures as a primary treatment.
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, our Oakville vertigo team regularly evaluates patients experiencing dizziness, balance problems, and positional vertigo. Using evidence-based vestibular assessment and repositioning techniques, we help determine whether symptoms are related to BPPV or other causes of dizziness affecting patients across Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga.
What Causes the Calcium to Shift in BPPV Vertigo?
So the next question is naturally “what can cause these calcium deposits to shift and cause BPPV Vertigo?” A few different things can. Our Oakville Team says a head injury (concussion, sports injury, car accident) can result in vertigo symptoms. Any time the head is hit or tossed around, the otoliths can become displaced and result in vertigo.
Rolling over in bed is a common cause of vertigo. It may seem hard to believe, but our head positions while we sleep can often be the perfect positions for those otoliths to move. When we lay down, the position of the crystals changes due to our body position and gravity. Keeping our head in one static position while laying down lets the crystals all gather towards one part of inner ear, and then if we turn/roll over in the night, these crystals can shift into a problematic area that wouldn’t typically be accessible if we were standing up.
Weather can also play a role, and individuals who suffer from vertigo often report that symptoms worsen before a rain or snowfall. Lack of sleep and stress are also known factors that can worsen vertigo symptoms. Individuals who have recently suffered ear infections or from vestibular neuritis, may also be more at risk of developing BPPV.
What Our Patients Are saying
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very well organized!!! Dr.very professional highly reccomended!!!
yaroslav dvorskyy
October 7, 2024I have been struggling with De Quervain’s for over 9 months and found Dr. Steve on YouTube a few weeks ago. Cannot recommend this clinic enough, if you have any wrist/thumb mobility issues they will help you! After 3 weeks of treatment here I can finally say I feel better... read more
Aleksia Petrov
June 7, 2024Dr. Jenn was great to work with. I’d recommend her
Lida Liu
November 7, 2024 -
One of the best choices I've made! Dr. Steve and his team are extremely warm and friendly, provide great care, and the service is great! I came here to fix my bunions, and I can already feel an improvement after a few sessions.
Elizabeth So
September 7, 2024Dr. Jenn is terrific and has helped me so much over the years. She is very progressive and uses many different methods (technology, acupuncture, tools) to go beyond traditional chiropractic and resolve issues (acute and chronic). I also like how her office direct bills my insurance for me. Highly recommend!
Dr. Alison MacDougall
November 7, 2024so good!!! the people are lovely and the service is so effective! felt results after session one!
lilly montelongo
August 7, 2024 -
Dr Steve and team have transformed my neck and upper back. They worked their magic to help release tension and my sleep is much better. Bonus - they love dogs so mine come to appts for social visits!
Vidya B
September 7, 2024Phenomenal service and care. Dr Steve and his staff are always very welcoming and knowledgeable.
AdrianFootball 97
February 6, 2025Dr. Jenn is amazing! She truly cares about her patients and is willing to try different things in order to see progress. I’ve been struggling with hip pain for years due to my scoliosis, no physio or chiro has ever been able to make a difference other than her, she... read more
Alexia Davies
June 7, 2024
How is BPPV Vertigo Diagnosed in Oakville?
Our Oakville chiropractors are well trained to diagnose vertigo and BPPV. A thorough history taking will help rule out other conditions that can cause dizziness and may feel similar to BPPV. The health history exam will consist of questions about headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears, pain, hearing loss, frequency and lengths of attacks, triggers and medications. Our chiropractors will be able to tease out the most likely cause of your vertigo symptoms.
It can be tested, in clinic, by one simple test called the Dix-Hallpike Test. This test involves quickly maneuvering the head into a position that would trigger a vertigo attack. It involves the patient quickly laying down while the chiropractor guides the head/cervical spine into an extended and slightly rotated position. The chiropractor will watch the patient’s eyes for any sign of twitching movement of the eyes. The hallmark of this condition is that is takes 5-10 seconds for the eye twitching to kick in, and it can last anywhere from 5 seconds to one minute after the test! This test can cause nausea, and in cases where symptoms are severe, even vomiting.
Vertigo and dizziness can sometimes be linked to problems involving the cervical spine, jaw, or surrounding muscles. Patients experiencing neck pain, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, or whiplash injuries may also develop balance disturbances or dizziness due to altered signals between the cervical spine, inner ear, and brain.
How Is BPPV Treated and the Epley Maneuver Oakville
The goal of the Epley maneuver is to reposition displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear back into their proper location within the vestibular system. By guiding these crystals out of the semicircular canals, the maneuver helps reduce or eliminate the spinning sensation associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Clinical studies show that repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver are highly effective for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Research has demonstrated symptom resolution in approximately 80% of patients after a single treatment, with success rates increasing to over 90% after repeated maneuvers.
The goal of treatment of BPPV at our Oakville Chiropractic Clinic is to reposition the calcium deposits (otoliths) back into the utricle where they belong. As long as these deposits remain within the semicircular canals, episodic vertigo symptoms will remain.
The most popular treatment is called the Epley Maneouver. This maneuver is designed to move the head in a specific way that helps guide the otoliths back where they belong. This can be performed by your chiropractor at every visit and can also be taught to the patient, so that they can complete this maneuver at home as well.
Due to the fact that the goal of this manoeuvre is the repositioning of the otoliths, maintaining an upright posture for a period of time post-treatment can make the treatment more effective. If you had the Epley Maneouvre done at 5pm, and then went home and went to bed at 9pm, the otoliths would just float right back into the canal. It is suggested that you sleep sitting up, in a semi-reclined position while undergoing treatment for BPPV in order to make the treatment effective as quickly as possible.
More troublesome Vertigo cases will need a little more time and treatment and can be helped with Acupuncture at our Oakville clinic.
What If My Dizziness Isn’t Caused by BPPV?
Our Oakville Vertigo Treatment Team wants to get the diagnosis right the first time. If our Chiropractors feel they can not help you with your vertigo , they will assist you and your medical doctor in getting the help you need. Low blood sugar and low blood pressure are common conditions that can cause dizziness. Before you completely panic about your dizzy spell, consider these two potential causes!
One of the most common conditions that may be mistaken for BPPV is Meniere’s Disease. This may be due to the fact that they can occur together. Meniere’s differs from BPPV in that it also causes a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and possible intermittent hearing loss.
Labrythitis is an infection within in the inner ear. It can cause symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, but also is typically associated with some degree of hearing loss as well.
When symptoms of vertigo and dizziness last longer than a few minutes, other conditions must be considered as well. Vascular issues such as vertebral artery insufficiency, TIA’s and stroke’s can also present with vertigo and dizziness. Our chiropractors are well trained to differentiate between BPPV and the more serious causes of vertigo symptoms. If you are unsure of whats happening, please see your medical doctor or go to hospital immediately.
Cervicogenic Vertigo Treatment Oakville
Cervicogenic vertigo and dizziness is another relatively common cause of dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms. Our Oakville Chiropractors say that 35-50% of Vertigo cases at our clinic are coming from patients cervical spine. These patients get vertigo when rolling over in bed or when looking up or lying down. Cervicogenic vertigo cases are more common in individuals who have suffered a trauma to the head and/or neck (car accident, concussion, sports injury etc). They can also be something as simple as sleeping position, too much ipad or coughing from a cold or flu.
Cervicogenic Vertigo is associated with pain in the cervical column and pain related to upper spine movements, headaches may also be present. Unlike BPPV, cervicogenic dizziness may be brought on by any movement of the cervical spine and less influenced by overall body position. Our vertigo treatment team sees this in patients when they are rolling over to get out of bed or checking their blind spots in the car. Many patients, if not all have a combination of BPPV and Cervicogenic Vertigo.
Treatment For Cervicogenic Dizziness and Vertigo in Oakville
Our chiropractors will help to rule out other causes of dizziness and address the issues of the cervical spine. Spinal manipulation/mobilization will help address stiff, restricted joints and help to restore proper movement between vertebral segments and help relief symptoms from cervicogenic vertigo. A healthy spine should move! Any restrictions in the joints can cause pain, limit mobility and potentially cause dizziness and vertigo.
Soft tissue release will be used to address tight muscles and stretches will be prescribed to help promote a speedy recovery. Exercises will also be suggested to strengthen the deep musculature of the upper cervical spine and help prevent re-occurrence of the condition. If you think you might be suffering from BPPV or Cervicogenic Vertigo book an appointment today with our Oakville Vertigo Team.
Oakville Vertigo FAQs
- What is vertigo?
- What causes vertigo?
- How is vertigo treated in Oakville?
- When should I see my doctor with vertigo?
- Can vertigo be coming from my neck?
- Is my dizziness from vertigo or a headache?
- What should I NOT do when experiencing vertigo?
- What triggers vertigo episodes in Oakville?
- What can I do at home to help my vertigo?
- How can I sleep with vertigo?
Vertigo is when you experience dizzy spells, feel off balance, nauseous and sensitive to light.
There are two reasons for your vertigo, one can be because the crystals in your ears have shifted. The second can be because of very tight neck muscles.
At our Chiropractic clinic in Oakville vertigo is treated with IFC, shockwave, spinal adjustments and something called passes. This treatment is very hands on with our Chiropractors. We use the Epley's Maneuver to help with BPPV vertigo!
Yes, you can see your doctor for vertigo or you can come book with us to help with your symptoms and relieve your vertigo.
Yes. vertigo can come from your neck. Tight muscles of the top of your neck can cause major strain and make you experience symptoms of vertigo.
Your dizziness can be from your vertigo. When the crystals shift in your ear it can cause you to become very dizzy and feel like the world is spinning.
You should avoid sudden movements, bright lights, driving or anything that may cause risk if you fall from a dizzy spell.
Vertigo episodes are often triggered by changes in head position such as rolling over in bed, bending forward, looking upward, or turning quickly. These movements can shift displaced inner ear crystals and stimulate the balance canals, producing dizziness or spinning sensations.
Dr. Steve does not like you doing any maneuver at home but he recommends that you sit in an upright chair using an airplane neck pillow.
You can sleep with your head at a slight angle making sure that your head and neck is supported. Also, using harder pillows may be a bit more helpful and stable against any unwanted movement of the head.