Top Causes of Vertigo in the Workplace (and what to do about it)

You’re in the middle of work when suddenly, everything feels like it’s spinning. You’re too dizzy to continue, so you sit down, close your eyes, and wait for the feeling to pass. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing vertigo at work.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying health condition. While it can happen to anyone, it’s more common in adults over 65.

According to Medical News Today:

"Vertigo is a sensation of spinning dizziness, as though the room or surrounding environment is moving in circles around the person. It often occurs due to problems in the inner ear or brain."

Vertigo typically occurs when there’s an issue with the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways, and is characterized by a feeling of vertical or horizontal spinning.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo attacks can affect work performance, and symptoms may last from minutes to several days. Common signs include:

• Dizziness or spinning sensations

• Loss of balance

• Nausea or vomiting

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Lightheadedness

• Feeling of fullness in the ear

• Headaches

• Uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus)

If you experience these symptoms, take a break, rest, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

Common Causes of Vertigo in the Workplace

Vertigo can be triggered by health conditions such as:

• Head injuries or trauma

• Migraines

• Ear infections or surgery

• Multiple sclerosis

• Brain stem disorders

• Certain medications

• Alcohol intoxication

Medical conditions specifically linked to vertigo include Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuritis, Cholesteatoma, and Ménière’s Disease.

In the workplace, vertigo is often caused by environmental or ergonomic factors, including:

1. Sitting too close to your computer screen

2. Poor lighting at the workstation

3. Frequent switching between computer and mobile screens

4. Flickering or overly bright/dim lighting

5. Prolonged focus on screens

6. Poor posture leading to slouching or neck strain

7. Excessive caffeine intake

Tips to Prevent or Manage Vertigo at Work

Most vertigo in the workplace is linked to computer use and workstation setup. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

1. Adjust Lighting

Proper lighting reduces eye strain, headaches, and dizziness. Avoid dark rooms with bright screens and fluorescent lighting. Consider using a desk lamp, such as AnthroDesk’s LED desk lamp, for a comfortable lighting setup.

2. Apply Ergonomics in the Workplace

Workstations should be evaluated for ergonomic efficiency. Proper setup reduces muscle strain and eye fatigue:

• Use standing desks or desk converters to switch between sitting and standing

• Choose ergonomic chairs for neck, head, and back support

3. Practice Proper Computer Ergonomics

Position your monitor at an appropriate distance and height to avoid strain. Avoid sitting too close or too far from the screen. For detailed tips, refer to our article: “Are You Applying Computer Ergonomics at Work?”

4. Breathe Mindfully

Take short breaks and practice deep breathing to relieve tension. Try inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds to relax your head, neck, and shoulders.

5. Regular Check-Ups

Since vertigo can signal an underlying health issue, schedule regular visits with your physician to identify and manage potential causes.

Final Thoughts

Vertigo is a common workplace concern that can negatively impact productivity and overall health. Awareness of its causes, especially those related to workstation setup and posture, is key to prevention. By optimizing ergonomics, maintaining proper lighting, practicing mindful breaks, and monitoring your health, you can reduce the risk of vertigo while working efficiently.