Posted on14 August 2025,in

Ménière’s Disease Doctor Near Me: Living with Ménière’s disease can feel like your world is spinning—literally. Sudden vertigo attacks, ringing in the ears, pressure, and fluctuating hearing loss can turn simple daily activities into exhausting obstacles. If you live in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or the surrounding Gulf Coast communities and you’ve searched for a “chiropractor near me,” “upper cervical chiropractor near me,” “Vertigo doctor near me,” or even a “Migraine doctor near me,” you’re in the right place. At Lavender Family Chiropractic, our mission is to help you reclaim steady ground through gentle, precise upper cervical chiropractic care that targets the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Our team—Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski—uses state-of-the-art 3D CBCT imaging and functional nervous system scans to identify precise misalignments at the top of the spine, where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. With gentle, targeted adjustments—no twisting, popping, or cracking—we help restore healthy biomechanics, reduce irritation to sensitive neurological structures, and give your body the best chance to heal and adapt. This is the heart of upper cervical chiropractic.

Ménière’s Disease Doctor Near Me: What Is Ménière’s Disease?

Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition typically marked by four hallmark features: episodic vertigo, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing), a sensation of ear fullness/pressure, and fluctuating hearing loss that may progress over time. These symptoms usually affect one ear, though both ears can be involved in some people. Attacks can last from 20 minutes to several hours, sometimes leaving lingering imbalance and nausea for an entire day.

While conventional discussions often center on fluid dynamics in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops), many people never learn how the upper neck—especially the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—can influence the nervous system, blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and muscular tension that interact with the vestibular system. That’s where an upper cervical evaluation becomes so valuable.

How Ménière’s Symptoms Affect Everyday Life

Vertigo episodes can arrive without warning. Many people describe the room spinning, swaying, or tilting. This can make driving, working, and even walking across a room feel unsafe.
Tinnitus and ear pressure can be maddeningly persistent, making it hard to focus, rest, or enjoy conversations in noisy environments.
Fluctuating hearing loss may limit social interactions and create anxiety about the future.
Nausea, brain fog, and fatigue often follow attacks, reducing productivity and motivation.
Neck pain and tightness commonly appear alongside vestibular symptoms, especially after a fall, sports injury, whiplash, or long hours at a desk.

When flares are unpredictable, people begin to avoid plans, travel, hobbies, or exercise. Over time, that avoidance can shrink confidence and quality of life. Our goal at Lavender Family Chiropractic is to help widen your world again by restoring balance from the top down.

Why the Upper Neck Matters in Ménière’s

The upper cervical spine houses and protects the brainstem, the critical relay between the brain and body. Misalignment at C1/C2 can:

Irritate the vestibulocochlear nerve pathways through mechanical stress, altered muscular tone, and inflammatory signaling.
Influence blood and CSF flow around the inner ear and brainstem. If drainage or pressure regulation is disrupted, the inner ear can become less resilient.
Change head and neck biomechanics, tightening suboccipital muscles, reducing normal motion, and straining the temporomandibular and eustachian tube systems.
Narrow foramina and disturb joint mechanics, potentially contributing to nerve irritation and dysautonomia—problems with the body’s automatic control of balance, blood pressure, and digestion.

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on precise correction of these misalignments so your nervous system can operate with less interference. We don’t force the body; we guide it.

Our Process at Lavender Family Chiropractic

1) Comprehensive Consultation and History

We listen to your story: the timing of your vertigo, what triggers or eases it, previous injuries, dental or sinus issues, headaches, neck pain, medication use, and lifestyle. Many patients can trace a flare-up back to an accident, a period of high stress, or a seemingly minor bump to the head.

2) 3D CBCT Imaging and Functional Scans

Our 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) provides detailed information about the upper neck joints and skull base. We pair this with functional nervous system scans to measure how your body is adapting. Together, these tools help us map a personalized correction—no guessing, no cookie-cutter care.

3) Gentle, Precise Upper Cervical Adjustments

We use specific, low-force correction strategies designed to normalize alignment and stabilize motion without twisting or cracking. Our office is trained in advanced upper cervical methods, including Advanced HIO Knee-Chest (AHKC) principles, Atlas-focused protocols, and techniques tailored to your unique anatomy.

4) Objective Re-Checks and Stabilization

We regularly re-evaluate alignment, neurologic scans, and how you’re feeling between visits. As the spine stabilizes, many patients report fewer and less severe vertigo attacks, reduced ear pressure, clearer thinking, improved sleep, and less neck tension.

Symptoms of Ménière’s—Explained in Plain Language

Vertigo: A false sense of motion. Some feel a spin; others feel a bobbing boat. Attacks can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and light sensitivity.
Tinnitus: Buzzing, ringing, or roaring that may spike during or after an episode.
Aural Fullness: A clogged, underwater, or pressure-filled sensation in one ear.
Hearing Changes: Sounds can feel muffled, distorted, or overly loud in certain ranges.
Imbalance and Motion Sensitivity: Even on “good days,” you might feel unsteady, especially on grocery store aisles or screens with fast motion.
Neck Pain and Headaches: Often overlooked but commonly present; they can be both contributors to and consequences of the vestibular stress cycle.
Anxiety and Sleep Disruption: Unpredictability breeds worry. Poor sleep then reduces your resilience, making the next flare more likely.

Upper Cervical Misalignment: The Hidden Link

From the outside, your ear symptoms might look like a purely ENT problem. But the vestibular system is deeply integrated with your neck and nervous system. Misalignment can:

Alter proprioceptive input from neck muscles and joints, confusing the brain’s map of head position.
Impact autonomic balance, making it harder for your body to regulate inner ear fluid and blood flow.
Trigger protective muscle guarding that tugs on the skull base and jaw, compounding pressure and pain.

Correcting the upper cervical atlas/axis relationship can calm the noise, improve balance signals, and create a stable foundation for healing.

Who We Help

We serve people from Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Osprey, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Myakka City. If you’ve tried medications, dietary changes, or vestibular therapy without lasting relief—or if you want a root-cause, non-invasive approach—our door is open.

Our clinic is conveniently located at 5899 Whitfield Ave Ste 107, Sarasota, FL 34243. You can reach us at (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to request a consultation.

Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic?

Expert Team: Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski bring passion and precision to every case.
Technology That Matters: 3D CBCT and functional nervous system scans give us clarity, not guesses.
Gentle, Specific Care: We respect your nervous system—no twisting, popping, or cracking.
Whole-Person Approach: We discuss sleep, stress, hydration, movement, and nutrition basics to support your recovery.
Communication and Follow-Through: Clear plans, measurable goals, and consistent check-ins.

What to Expect During Care

Most care plans begin with a focused period of correction and stabilization, followed by less frequent check-ins to maintain alignment. Many patients notice shifts in balance, neck comfort, and energy within the early phase. Others require steady, patient progress—especially if symptoms have been present for years.

Supportive Lifestyle Tips

Hydration and mineral balance to support inner ear resilience.
Gentle mobility routines for the neck and upper back as advised.
Sleep hygiene to restore brain and vestibular recovery.
Stress regulation skills—breathing, light walks, sunlight—so your autonomic system has space to heal.
Trigger awareness without fear: notice patterns, but don’t let them define you.

A Patient Story

“After two years of unpredictable vertigo, I stopped driving and avoided crowds. My neck always felt tight, and I had a constant low roar in my left ear. The CBCT showed a clear atlas misalignment. After a series of gentle corrections and re-checks, my vertigo attacks became less frequent and less intense. I’m back to grocery shopping alone and even took a weekend trip.”

Every person is different, and no office can promise outcomes. But stories like this are why we do what we do.

How Upper Cervical Care Complements Your Medical Team

Upper cervical chiropractic does not replace your ENT, audiologist, or primary physician. We collaborate, offering a structural-neurologic perspective that can complement dietary changes, vestibular rehab, or other therapies. Many patients appreciate having a team that looks at their health from several angles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ménière’s and Upper Cervical Chiropractic

1) Can upper cervical care cure Ménière’s disease?

We do not claim cures. Our focus is to correct upper neck misalignment, reduce neurological irritation, and support the body’s regulation systems. Many patients report fewer vertigo attacks, less ear pressure, improved clarity, and better quality of life.

2) What makes upper cervical different from general chiropractic?

Upper cervical care concentrates on the top two vertebrae with precise, gentle adjustments guided by advanced imaging. Rather than adjusting many segments, we correct the primary misalignment that can destabilize the whole spine.

3) How do you determine if I’m a candidate?

We perform a detailed history, 3D CBCT imaging, and functional scans. If testing shows a correctable atlas/axis misalignment, we’ll outline a custom plan.

4) Will the adjustments hurt or make me dizzy?

Our methods are low-force and designed to minimize post-adjustment irritation. Most patients find the experience surprisingly gentle.

5) What if I’ve had vertigo for years?

Chronic cases can still improve. The body loves clarity and proper mechanics. We set expectations honestly and track objective changes over time.

6) Do you recommend diet or supplements?

We can discuss basics and coordinate with your medical providers. Structural correction comes first, and lifestyle support can reinforce your progress.

7) How long until I notice changes?

Some feel shifts early; others require steady care over weeks to months. Duration depends on history, injury load, and how well your correction holds.

8) Can I continue vestibular therapy?

Many patients pair upper cervical care with vestibular rehab and do well. Clearer neck input can make therapy more effective.

9) Is imaging safe?

CBCT uses a focused, modern approach to produce high-resolution images. We use imaging judiciously to get the data needed for precise care.

10) Do you accept insurance?

Our office is out of network with insurance. Many patients receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement based on their coverage. We offer various payment and financing options.

11) What if my symptoms are in both ears?

We evaluate the neck, not just ear laterality. Even bilateral symptoms can correlate with a dominant upper cervical pattern.

12) Can upper cervical care help migraines and neck pain, too?

Yes. Many of our Ménière’s patients also experience migraines, headaches, and neck pain. Correcting the upper neck often benefits these issues as well.

13) Do you adjust the whole spine?

We focus on the upper cervical spine because it governs global alignment. When the head and neck balance, the rest of the spine often follows.

14) How do I start?

Schedule a consultation at www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com or call (941) 243-3729. We’ll answer your questions and explain each step.

15) Where are you located and who do you serve?

We’re at 5899 Whitfield Ave Ste 107, Sarasota, FL 34243. We serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Osprey, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Myakka City.

Take the Next Step Toward Steady Ground

If you’re tired of planning your life around vertigo, tinnitus, and ear pressure, there is a gentle, structural path forward. Lavender Family Chiropractic provides upper cervical chiropractic care designed to correct the cause, not just chase symptoms. You deserve confidence, clarity, and calm—on your feet and in your day.

Call (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to request your consultation. Search phrases like “chiropractor Sarasota Florida,” “chiropractor near me,” and “upper cervical chiropractor near me” often lead people to us—but a phone call or message is the quickest way to begin. Your next steady step could start today.

The Biomechanics Behind Relief

When the head is level and the atlas is balanced, your postural reflexes require less muscular effort to keep you upright. The suboccipital muscles relax, jaw mechanics normalize, and the delicate ligaments of the upper neck stop sending emergency signals to the brainstem. Think of it like turning down a static-filled radio so the brain can clearly interpret inputs from the eyes, inner ears, and neck. With cleaner signals, your vestibular system can coordinate balance and eye movement with far less “noise.” That means fewer mixed messages to the brain and a more stable sense of where you are in space.

This is why many upper cervical patients talk about a global shift: steadier steps, fewer surprise spins, less jaw tension, and more mental clarity. They aren’t just experiencing an “ear fix”; they’re feeling a nervous system reset that touches many daily functions.

Misalignment, Foraminal Space, and Disc Health

Although Ménière’s is an inner ear condition, ignoring the mechanics of the neck leaves a huge piece of the puzzle on the table. Misalignment at C1/C2 can subtly close down foraminal spaces, the small openings where nerves travel. Over time, altered joint loading can contribute to decreased disc height and aberrant motion throughout the cervical spine. These changes may not cause immediate sharp pain, but they can feed a loop of muscle guarding, trigger points, and nerve irritation that worsens stress signals to the brainstem and inner ear.

By restoring alignment at the top, we often see better movement patterns through the mid and lower neck. Patients report less shoulder and jaw tension, fewer computer-day headaches, and smoother rotation when checking blind spots—day-to-day wins that matter when you are trying to reclaim normal life.

Your First 30 Days: A Practical Roadmap

Week 1: Comprehensive testing, first corrections, and gentle pacing. Many patients notice changes in head pressure, neck ease, or sleep quality.
Week 2: Reinforce alignment. We teach you how to avoid common pitfalls—cradling the phone, poor pillow height, or heavy overhead work.
Week 3: Stabilization strategies. As your correction holds longer, we lengthen visit intervals and review hydration, minerals, light movement, and breathing.
Week 4: Progress check. We celebrate wins (fewer dizzy days, clearer mornings) and set the next milestone, always guided by imaging, scans, and how you feel.

Upper cervical care is not about chasing symptoms; it’s about building durable stability so good days become your new baseline.

At-Home Strategies That Complement Care

Pillow and sleep setup: A supportive pillow (not over-stacked) helps maintain neutral neck alignment. Side sleepers benefit from hip-to-shoulder gap support so the neck doesn’t tilt.
Gentle movement breaks: Every 45–60 minutes, stand, breathe, roll the shoulders, and look gently left/right to keep the neck from locking into a single posture.
Hydration and salt balance: Follow your doctor’s guidance, and watch how hydration patterns affect your symptoms.
Screen hygiene: Reduce rapid visual motion and high-contrast flicker when you feel sensitive. Increase font sizes and ambient light to reduce strain.
Stress cycling: Add short, predictable rituals—five slow breaths before calls, a ten-minute walk after lunch—to remind your autonomic system that you are safe.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Severe new neurological symptoms, fainting, chest pain, or sudden hearing loss warrant immediate medical attention. We partner with patients who also maintain strong relationships with their ENT and primary care providers. Your safety is always first.

Myths We Hear All the Time

“Nothing helps Ménière’s; you just have to live with it.” Many people improve when the body’s regulation systems are supported and the neck is corrected. Progress may be gradual, but it is possible.
“If my ear MRI is fine, there’s nothing structural to address.” The upper neck can be significantly misaligned without showing on ear imaging. CBCT and functional scans answer a different question.
“I don’t have neck pain, so my neck isn’t involved.” You can have vestibular-relevant misalignment without neck pain. Symptoms are not the only signal that mechanics are off.
“Adjustments have to be aggressive to work.” Not true. In upper cervical care, precision beats force every time.

Driving, Work, and Family Life—Practical Tips

Driving: Start with short routes during symptom-quiet windows. Keep the seat higher, mirrors properly set, and head turns gentle. If an attack begins, pull over safely and wait it out.
Work: Break tasks into shorter blocks. Use noise-reducing options if tinnitus is distracting. Advocate for flexible lighting and fewer rapid screen transitions.
Family: Share your plan so loved ones understand the pace of recovery. Celebrate small wins together—restaurant outings, walks on Siesta Key, or a quiet evening chat without the roar.

Why Local Experience Matters

Vestibular conditions are common across the Gulf Coast, where active lifestyles, water sports, and past auto incidents can leave a history of head and neck strain. Our Sarasota-based team understands these patterns and has built systems to support steady, sustainable change, not quick fixes that fade.

A Word of Encouragement

If you’ve read this far, you’ve likely done a lot of searching. You may have typed “chiropractor Sarasota Florida,” “chiropractor near me,” or “upper cervical chiropractor near me” at 2 a.m. after a difficult night. Please know: you are not your diagnosis. Your body is designed to adapt, and when we reduce interference at the brainstem and improve biomechanics, adaptation often returns.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we combine compassion, precision, and accountability. We’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll walk with you—step by balanced step—toward steadier ground.