Conditions we treat
Dizziness
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is Dizziness?
Dizziness covers a range of sensations — lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning feeling (vertigo) — and can come from several different sources, including the inner ear, the cardiovascular system, or the neck. One of the most common and treatable causes, particularly in the middle-aged and older population, is cervicogenic dizziness: dizziness driven by stiff, poorly-moving joints in the upper neck.
Symptoms
Symptoms range from a vague sense of unsteadiness or lightheadedness to more pronounced spinning or disorientation, often triggered or worsened by neck movement, prolonged sitting, or changing position quickly.
Treatment
Andrew’s assessment starts by identifying what’s likely driving your dizziness, since neck-related, inner-ear and cardiovascular causes all need a different approach. Where the neck is contributing, treatment combines manual therapy and joint mobilisation to restore normal movement and reduce the confusing signals reaching your brain, alongside exercises to retrain balance and reduce recurrence.
How we treat it
Treatments used for dizziness
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
What causes sudden dizziness when standing up?
This is usually postural hypotension — a temporary drop in blood pressure when you change position quickly, meaning your brain briefly doesn't get the blood flow it needs. Standing up more slowly, and giving yourself a few seconds sitting before standing, often helps.
Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Yes — this is one of the most common causes of dizziness in middle-aged adults, often called cervicogenic dizziness. Stiff neck joints contain nerve endings that sense movement, and when they're not working properly they can send confusing signals to the brain that show up as unsteadiness or loss of balance.
Is dizziness from vertigo the same as dizziness from the neck?
No — they can feel similar but come from different sources. Inner ear conditions cause a spinning sensation (vertigo) and need a different management approach to dizziness driven by stiff cervical joints. Andrew's assessment helps identify which is more likely so you're not treating the wrong thing.
Is dizziness ever a medical emergency?
It can be. Seek urgent medical attention if dizziness comes with slurred speech, facial drooping, sudden severe headache, chest pain, or one-sided weakness. For dizziness without these red flags, having your neck assessed is often a straightforward, low-cost first step.
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