Understanding Positional Vertigo

Have you ever rolled over in bed, looked up quickly, gone for a dental or hair appointment, and suddenly felt like the room was spinning, nauseous, or thought you were having a stroke? If so, you may have experienced positional vertigo - one of the most common causes of dizziness. Approximately 90% of patients seen for dizziness are diagnosed with positional vertigo. At Jacobson Physical Therapy, we frequently help patients overcome this condition safely and effectively in the comfort of their own home. 

What Is Positional Vertigo?

Positional vertigo, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), occurs when tiny crystals inside your inner ear move into places where they don’t belong. Your inner ear is responsible for helping your body sense movement and maintain balance. When these crystals shift into the wrong spot, they can send false signs to your brain about how your head is moving. 

As a result, certain movements - like turning your head, lying down, bending forwards, washing your hair - can trigger sudden dizzy or nausea sensations. These dizzy spells are typically brief, but they can feel intense and disorienting, and you can have residual symptoms for several hours or days afterwards. 

Common Symptoms

People with BPPV often experience:

• Sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) brought on by changes in head position

• Nausea or queasiness

• Lightheadedness or imbalance

• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing

• Unsteady walking or fear of falling

Symptoms may come and go, but if left untreated, they can interfere with daily life and increase the risk of falls. Most people learn to avoid the positions that elicit symptoms, but that does not fix the problem, it just avoids the trigger. 

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Treat Vertigo on Your Own

You may come across online videos or articles showing how to perform self-treatments for vertigo. While these techniques can look simple, they are not one-size-fits-all — and performing them incorrectly can make symptoms worse.

Each ear contains three semicircular canals, and the direction of the crystal movement depends on which canal and side are affected. Without a skilled assessment, it’s easy to perform the wrong maneuver or move your head in a way that dislodges crystals into another canal, creating new or more severe dizziness.

Additionally, dizziness can sometimes be caused by other medical issues such as migraines, inner ear infections, low blood pressure, or even neurological disorders. Treating vertigo without first confirming the correct diagnosis can delay proper care or mask a more serious condition.

That’s why it’s best to work with a licensed physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation. Your therapist can identify the exact cause of your dizziness, select the right treatment technique, and ensure it’s performed safely.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

At Jacobson Physical Therapy, we provide individualized vestibular assessments to determine which ear and canal are involved. Using evidence-based maneuvers, we gently guide the crystals back to their proper place.

Many patients feel immediate improvement after just one or two sessions. Your therapist will also teach you ways to reduce dizziness triggers, improve your balance, and regain confidence with movement.

Because Jacobson Physical Therapy is a mobile practice, we bring expert vestibular care directly to you — allowing treatment in a comfortable, familiar environment that minimizes dizziness and motion sensitivity. This also eliminates needing to find transportation to a medical office, which is often required if you are getting repositioned. Your safety and other drivers' safety on the road is of utmost importance. 

Regain Your Balance and Confidence

If you’re struggling with dizziness, don’t try to navigate it alone. Skilled evaluation and treatment can make all the difference in finding lasting relief and preventing recurrence.

At Jacobson Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping you feel steady, confident, and back in control — one movement at a time.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Schedule your in-home vestibular evaluation today by emailing us at info@jacobsonpt.com or contacting us directly at (470) 305-3145. Relief is just a few movements away.