Posted on7 August 2025,in

What Is BPPV and How Does It Cause Vertigo?

BPPV Doctor Sarasota: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo—a spinning or dizzy sensation that can disrupt your daily life and impact your quality of living. Despite the scary symptoms, the condition is called benign because it’s not life-threatening. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not life-altering. For people living in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding areas, BPPV is a condition that far too often gets overlooked or misdiagnosed.

BPPV occurs when small crystals of calcium carbonate—called otoconia—become dislodged from their usual position within the utricle of the inner ear and migrate into one of the semicircular canals. These canals help regulate balance by detecting head motion. When these crystals move where they don’t belong, they interfere with the fluid motion in the canals and send false signals to the brain, resulting in a sudden sensation of spinning or dizziness when you change positions—like rolling over in bed, tilting your head, or getting up too quickly.

Common Symptoms of BPPV

Sudden spinning or swaying sensation
Nausea and vomiting
Unsteadiness
Lightheadedness
Visual disturbances during an episode

These vertigo episodes often last less than a minute, but their unpredictability can be incredibly disruptive and even dangerous, especially for older adults who may be at risk for falls.

BPPV Doctor Sarasota: The Shocking Truth: Up to 60% of BPPV Is Linked to Upper Cervical Misalignment

Here’s what most people—and even many doctors—don’t realize: up to 60% of BPPV cases may actually be caused by structural misalignments in the upper cervical spine.

The upper neck, specifically the area around the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, plays a pivotal role in balance, coordination, and neurological communication between the brain and body. Misalignments in this region can cause dysfunction in the vestibular system, the part of your body that helps you stay balanced. This dysfunction can contribute to or directly trigger BPPV symptoms.

How Upper Cervical Misalignment Triggers BPPV

The vestibular system is housed within the inner ear
The inner ear relies on proper brainstem and neurological function
The brainstem is located at the base of the skull and connects to the C1 vertebra
Misalignment of the atlas (C1) can compress nerves and restrict communication

This means that even if you reposition the ear crystals using maneuvers like the Epley or Semont, you might continue to experience recurring vertigo if the root cause—an upper cervical misalignment—isn’t addressed.

Why Is BPPV Misdiagnosed So Often?

One of the biggest issues with BPPV is that it is frequently misdiagnosed or assumed to be just “inner ear issues.” Many patients are told it’s anxiety, dehydration, or “just getting older.” Others are given medications that merely mask the symptoms but do nothing to correct the root problem.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, Florida, our team specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying neurological and structural imbalances that cause vertigo—including BPPV.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Natural, Non-Invasive Approach to BPPV

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a highly specialized form of chiropractic that focuses on correcting misalignments in the top two bones of the spine: the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These vertebrae sit at the base of your skull and protect the brainstem, which is the master control center for balance, coordination, and vestibular function.

How We Address BPPV at Lavender Family Chiropractic

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we use a state-of-the-art protocol that includes:

3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Imaging – High-resolution 3D scans that show exact misalignment patterns
Paraspinal Infrared Thermography – Real-time scans that assess nervous system function
Gentle Upper Cervical Adjustments – Precise, non-twisting corrections that allow the body to heal

Once the upper cervical misalignment is corrected, many patients experience significant and lasting relief from BPPV and vertigo symptoms.

Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic?

Lavender Family Chiropractic is proud to serve Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and the entire Southwest Florida community with the most advanced and compassionate upper cervical care available. Our team—Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski—specializes in helping people suffering from chronic, frustrating, and misunderstood conditions like BPPV.

About Lavender Family Chiropractic: Sarasota’s Leading Upper Cervical Chiropractic Clinic

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we’re not just helping people feel better—we’re helping them heal from the root cause. Located in Sarasota, Florida, our clinic has become the go-to destination for patients seeking long-term relief from chronic health conditions like vertigo, migraines, TMJ, POTS, fibromyalgia, sciatica, neck pain, post-concussion syndrome, and more. We proudly serve not only Sarasota but also surrounding areas including Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Venice, Ellenton, Osprey, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Myakka City, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key.

What sets us apart is our specialized focus on upper cervical chiropractic care—a precise, gentle, and highly effective technique that corrects misalignments in the top two bones of the neck: the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). This area of the spine is intimately connected to the brainstem and central nervous system, and even slight misalignments can lead to profound neurological symptoms. By restoring alignment in this crucial area, we help the body function better and heal naturally—without drugs or surgery.

Our care is backed by advanced technology. Every patient who walks through our doors receives a thorough evaluation, including 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging for highly detailed analysis of the cervical spine. We also use functional nervous system scans with the Tytron thermography system, which measures real-time changes in your autonomic nervous system and tracks progress over time.

One of the most unique aspects of our approach is that our adjustments are gentle and specific—without any popping, twisting, or cracking. Patients are often surprised at how soft the correction feels—and how powerful the results are. This method is not only more comfortable, but also safer and more effective for people of all ages, including children, seniors, and those recovering from injury.

Our team—Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski—are three of the most dedicated and highly trained upper cervical chiropractors in Florida. We don’t just adjust your spine—we educate, empower, and walk with you through every step of your healing journey.

Whether you’re seeking answers for dizziness that no one has been able to solve, chronic headaches that won’t go away, or unexplained neurological symptoms, Lavender Family Chiropractic is here to help. We believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and creating customized care plans designed to get results..

Real Patient Transformations: Life After Vertigo

Hear from Our Sarasota-Area Patients

“After struggling with dizzy spells for over a year, I finally found Lavender Family Chiropractic. The scans showed a misalignment in my upper neck that no other doctor had found. After just a few gentle adjustments, my vertigo episodes dramatically decreased. I got my life back.” — Sarah M., Sarasota, FL

“I used to live in fear of rolling over in bed and triggering vertigo. Since starting upper cervical care, I haven’t had a single episode in months. It’s been life-changing.” — Brian T., Lakewood Ranch, FL

Who Should See a BPPV Doctor in Sarasota?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule a consultation:

Sudden episodes of spinning or dizziness when changing head positions
Nausea or vomiting associated with head movements
A history of head or neck trauma
Unexplained balance issues
Recurring vertigo even after Epley maneuvers

These signs may point to more than just a “loose crystal”—they may be telling you that your upper neck is misaligned.

Areas We Serve Across Southwest Florida

Lavender Family Chiropractic is proud to help patients from:

Sarasota
Lakewood Ranch
Bradenton
Parrish
Venice
Osprey
Ellenton
Myakka City
Punta Gorda
St. Petersburg
Siesta Key
Lido Key
Longboat Key

We’re known as the go-to chiropractic clinic for BPPV and vertigo treatment because we help patients uncover and correct the real cause.

Top 15 FAQs About BPPV and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

1. What is BPPV?

BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear.

2. What causes BPPV?

BPPV may result from head trauma, upper cervical misalignment, age-related degeneration, or viral infections.

3. Can BPPV go away on its own?

Yes, but it often recurs if the underlying misalignment isn’t corrected.

4. Is BPPV connected to the spine?

Yes. Up to 60% of BPPV cases are linked to upper cervical misalignments that affect brainstem and vestibular function.

5. How does upper cervical chiropractic help BPPV?

By restoring normal function to the brainstem and balance centers through precise correction of the atlas and axis.

6. Are the adjustments safe?

Absolutely. We use gentle, non-invasive techniques that require no twisting, cracking, or popping.

7. Do you use imaging?

Yes, we use advanced 3D CBCT imaging to analyze your upper cervical spine with pinpoint accuracy.

8. What makes Lavender Family Chiropractic different?

Our clinic focuses exclusively on upper cervical chiropractic and uses objective scans to guide care.

9. How soon will I feel better?

Many patients notice improvements in just a few adjustments, but it varies per individual.

10. Do you see kids or seniors?

Yes. Our care is gentle and safe for all ages, from infants to elderly adults.

11. Is BPPV a lifelong condition?

Not necessarily. Addressing the structural and neurological root cause can provide long-term relief.

12. Should I still do the Epley maneuver?

Possibly. But without correcting upper cervical misalignment, symptoms may return.

13. What if I’ve tried everything else?

Our method often helps people who haven’t found relief through conventional treatments.

14. Do you accept insurance?

Our office is out of network with insurance. Many of our patients receive a superbill to submit to their insurance for reimbursement based on their coverage. We offer many different payment options as well as finance options.

15. How do I get started?

Call us at (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to schedule your initial consultation.

Take the First Step Toward Relief from BPPV

If vertigo has taken over your life, it’s time to stop managing symptoms and start correcting the cause. At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we offer expert care for BPPV that’s natural, non-invasive, and truly effective.