Is It Just Motion Sickness – Or Something More?

It starts as a small thing. Maybe the car ride to your friend's place feels a bit off. Or the spinning teacups at the theme park that used to be fun? Not so much anymore. Maybe you’ve even had to look away from your phone while riding as a passenger—because reading texts feels like a ticket to nausea city.

We all know what motion sickness feels like. But what if it’s showing up more often? Lasting longer? Or triggered by things that used to be no big deal? That’s when it’s worth asking: is this just motion sickness—or something more?

When ‘normal’ motion sickness stops feeling normal

Sure, lots of people feel queasy on boats or winding roads. But if you're:

• Feeling dizzy when you turn your head too quickly

• Getting woozy from scrolling on your phone or watching fast-moving scenes

• Avoiding elevators, escalators, or car rides because of how they make you feel

• Nauseous just reaching up to a high shelf or rolling over in bed

…then there might be something deeper going on. And it could be linked to your balance system—your vestibular system.

Your balance centre: not just about staying upright

Inside your inner ear lives a clever little system called the vestibular system. It helps your brain understand where your head is in space, how fast you’re moving, and what direction you're going. When it's working well, everything stays in sync—your eyes, your muscles, your balance. When it's off? Your brain gets confused.

It’s like being on a ride your body didn’t ask for.

Vestibular disorders: the hidden cause of motion sensitivity

If motion sickness has crept into your daily life, it might be more than just a sensitive tummy. Some common vestibular disorders—like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or general vestibular hypofunction—can cause your brain to misread motion. That makes even small movements feel dramatic.

Think: walking through a busy shopping mall and suddenly needing to sit down. Or turning around too fast in the kitchen and grabbing the bench for balance.

It’s frustrating. And it’s easy to chalk it up to stress, tiredness, or “just getting older.” But that doesn’t mean it’s normal—or something you have to put up with.

What can you do about it? (Hint: a lot)

The good news? There’s real help out there. Vestibular therapy is a gentle, exercise-based approach that helps re-train your brain and inner ear to work together again.

At Muscle People, we work with people every day who feel dizzy, foggy, or off-balance—and they help them feel safe and steady again. The therapy might involve:

• Eye and head movement exercises

• Balance training tailored to what your body needs

• Specific repositioning techniques (like for BPPV)

• Building up motion tolerance gradually, so life feels easier again

No complicated machines. No scary treatments. Just smart, supportive care that helps your nervous system get back in sync.

So how do you know if it’s time to get help?

If motion sickness is suddenly a regular visitor—or it’s sticking around longer than it used to—it’s worth chatting with a physiotherapist trained in vestibular care. Especially if:

• You're avoiding activities because of dizziness or nausea

• You feel anxious about driving, walking in crowds, or bending down

• You've had a recent ear infection, virus, or head knock

Your body’s giving you clues. Listening to them is the first step to feeling better.

In summary

Motion sickness now and then is normal. But when it becomes a daily thing—or starts changing how you live your life—it could be something more. Vestibular issues often fly under the radar, but they don’t have to stay that way.

You deserve to move through the world without fear of dizziness. With the right support, you absolutely can.

🧡 Not sure if it’s “just” motion sickness? Let’s find out together—and get you feeling steady, clear, and confident again.