Why Am I Dizzy? Dizziness is one of those symptoms that most people underestimate until it happens to them. A wave of spinning, feeling like the floor is tilting, or suddenly being unable to walk straight can leave you anxious and scared. For some, dizziness happens once in a while and passes quickly. For others, it becomes a chronic, life-altering condition that disrupts daily activities, relationships, and even the ability to work.
At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, Florida, we hear a common story from many of our patients: “I’ve seen multiple doctors. My tests come back normal. They gave me medications, but nothing fixed the problem. I just want to feel steady again.”
This blog will help you understand the many forms of dizziness, why it often comes from hidden problems in the upper cervical spine, and how our advanced chiropractic approach has helped hundreds of patients in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton finally get their balance back.
Why Am I Dizzy? The Scope of Dizziness in the U.S.
Before diving into the root causes, it’s worth understanding just how common dizziness really is:
- Nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. will experience significant dizziness or balance problems in their lifetime.
- Dizziness is the third most common complaint in doctor’s offices, after headaches and back pain.
- Among adults over 65, dizziness and balance disorders are the leading causes of falls, which can lead to hospitalization.
- Many cases of dizziness go misdiagnosed or untreated, with patients being told “it’s just stress” or “it’s in your head.”
But dizziness is very real — and it usually has a physical cause that can be addressed.
Different Types of Dizziness and How They Feel
Not all dizziness is the same. Patients often struggle to explain what they’re feeling, and doctors may lump everything under the term “dizzy.” But there are actually distinct categories:
1. Vertigo (Spinning Sensation)
Vertigo is perhaps the most dramatic form of dizziness. Patients describe it as:
- The room spinning around them.
- Feeling like they’re moving when they’re standing still.
- Sudden episodes triggered by rolling over in bed or turning the head.
Common causes:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Meniere’s disease
- Vestibular migraines
- Post-concussion vestibular dysfunction
Example: A Sarasota teacher told us she couldn’t even read to her students because the classroom would suddenly start spinning. She avoided driving, grocery shopping, and even social outings out of fear of a vertigo attack. After starting upper cervical care, her episodes became less frequent, and she regained the confidence to return to normal life.
2. Disequilibrium (Imbalance or Unsteadiness)
This form of dizziness feels like swaying, rocking, or being on a boat. Patients say they feel off-balance, especially when walking.
Possible causes:
- Poor neck proprioception from misalignment.
- Inner ear dysfunction.
- Nerve signaling interference in the brainstem.
Example: A Lakewood Ranch retiree described it as “walking like I’m on marshmallows.” He feared falling when going for walks with his wife. After atlas correction, his nervous system balance improved, and he regained his steadiness.
3. Lightheadedness (Presyncope)
This is the “I’m about to faint” feeling. It may be brief, like when you stand up too quickly, or it can be more chronic in conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Possible causes:
- Blood pressure regulation issues.
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- Restricted blood flow from neck misalignment.
Example: A Bradenton college student came to us after being told she had “anxiety-induced dizziness.” In reality, her upper neck was misaligned after a sports injury, affecting her vagus nerve and blood pressure regulation.
4. Spatial Disorientation and Brain Fog
Some patients describe feeling “floaty,” “disconnected,” or like they’re “living in a dream.” This is often accompanied by brain fog, poor focus, and fatigue.
Possible causes:
- Cervical spine interference with sensory integration.
- Subtle vestibular dysfunction.
- Post-concussion syndrome.
Example: A Venice resident reported feeling like his head was constantly disconnected from his body. After care, he not only felt clearer but noticed his headaches also resolved.
The Upper Cervical Spine: The Overlooked Key to Balance
At the base of your skull, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae form the upper cervical spine. This area is unique:
- Supports the skull while allowing freedom of movement.
- Protects the brainstem, which controls balance, heart rate, and nervous system regulation.
- Facilitates blood flow to the brain through vertebral arteries.
- Connects directly with vestibular and balance centers.
Even a small misalignment here can:
- Irritate the brainstem.
- Restrict blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow.
- Create faulty nerve signals about head position.
- Trigger muscle spasms that further disrupt balance.
This is why dizziness often has less to do with your ears and more to do with your neck.
Common Dizziness Conditions We Treat at Lavender Family Chiropractic
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Caused by crystals in the inner ear moving out of place.
- Up to 60% of BPPV cases are misdiagnosed.
- Many patients only get partial relief from repositioning maneuvers.
- Atlas misalignment can prolong or worsen recovery by interfering with vestibular signaling.
Meniere’s Disease
- Symptoms: vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness.
- Believed to involve abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Neck alignment influences fluid drainage, which is why many Meniere’s patients improve with upper cervical care.
Vestibular Migraines
- Dizziness and vertigo without the classic migraine headache.
- Often triggered by overstimulation of the nervous system.
- Brainstem irritation from a misaligned atlas can be a key factor.
POTS and Dysautonomia
- Causes dizziness when standing, rapid heart rate, and fatigue.
- Strongly tied to autonomic nervous system imbalance.
- The vagus nerve, which passes through the upper cervical region, plays a key role.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Even mild concussions can leave lingering dizziness.
- Whiplash from car accidents or sports often shifts the atlas.
- Traditional imaging misses subtle misalignments that our CBCT scans detect.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Originates from abnormal neck signals.
- Chronic muscle tension and poor posture often worsen it.
- Upper cervical corrections help restore proper proprioception and balance.
Our Advanced Approach at Lavender Family Chiropractic
Patients often tell us: “You were the first doctors to actually look deeply into my dizziness.” That’s because our process is different.
1. Detailed Consultation
We ask about every aspect of your dizziness:
- When it started.
- What triggers it.
- What other doctors have told you.
- How it impacts your quality of life.
2. 3D CBCT Imaging
Unlike flat X-rays, CBCT gives us a three-dimensional look at your upper cervical spine. We can see millimeter shifts invisible to other imaging.
3. Nervous System Scans (Tytron)
We use paraspinal infrared thermography to detect neurological stress patterns and measure function over time.
4. Gentle Atlas Corrections
Our technique (Knee-Chest Upper Cervical) uses no twisting, cracking, or popping. It’s precise and gentle, focusing only on the misaligned vertebra.
5. Tracking and Stability
We monitor corrections with follow-up scans and post-care imaging. The goal is not constant adjustments, but long-term stability.
Patient Success Stories from Sarasota and Beyond
- “After years of vertigo, I was terrified to leave my house. Since starting care at Lavender Family Chiropractic, I can shop, drive, and live without fear.” – Karen, Sarasota.
- “I was told my dizziness was anxiety. Dr. Lavender found the real cause in my neck. I feel like I finally got my life back.” – Michael, Bradenton.
- “As a college athlete, I had lingering concussion symptoms. No one mentioned my neck. Lavender Family Chiropractic did, and I finally improved.” – Rachel, Lakewood Ranch.
Expanded Top 15 FAQs About Dizziness and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
(Each answer expanded into multiple paragraphs for depth.)
- What actually causes dizziness?
Dizziness can stem from the inner ear, brainstem, blood flow, or nerve miscommunication. Upper cervical misalignment disrupts all of these pathways, which is why correcting the atlas is so powerful. - Can chiropractic adjustments fix dizziness?
Yes — but not all adjustments are the same. Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on precision. Unlike traditional twisting or cracking, we use imaging to find the exact misalignment and correct it gently. - Why is the atlas so important?
Because it surrounds the brainstem. Even a small shift here can impact balance, blood pressure, and nervous system control. - Is dizziness always ear-related?
No. Many patients who were told “it’s your ears” actually had neck misalignments. - What if my MRI was normal?
MRIs often miss subtle misalignments. Our 3D CBCT scans give us more detail than standard hospital imaging. - How quickly will I feel better?
Some patients notice changes after the first correction. Others require weeks or months as their nervous system adapts. - What if I already tried ENT and physical therapy?
That’s common. Many of our patients come after exhausting other options. Addressing the neck is often the missing piece. - Can whiplash cause long-term dizziness?
Yes. Even minor car accidents can shift the atlas, leading to symptoms years later. - Is upper cervical care safe?
Absolutely. Our corrections are gentle and specific. No twisting or cracking is required. - Do you adjust the whole spine?
We focus on the upper neck. When this is corrected, the rest of the spine often balances itself. - How do you know when to adjust?
We rely on scans and imaging, not guesswork. If your neck is holding alignment, we don’t adjust unnecessarily. - Will insurance cover care?
We are out of network, but we provide superbills for reimbursement. Many patients get partial coverage this way. We also offer flexible payment options. - Can dizziness return?
If misalignment recurs, symptoms may return. That’s why monitoring and long-term stabilization are key. - Do you treat children with dizziness?
Yes. Children can experience dizziness from concussions, sports injuries, or neck trauma. Our corrections are even gentler for pediatric patients. - How do I get started?
Call (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to schedule your consultation today.
Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and Beyond
We proudly serve patients from:
- Sarasota
- Bradenton
- Lakewood Ranch
- Parrish
- Ellenton
- Venice
- Osprey
- Punta Gorda
- St. Petersburg
- Siesta Key
- Longboat Key
- Lido Key
- Myakka City
People travel across Florida to see us because of our reputation as the best upper cervical chiropractic office in Southwest Florida.
Conclusion: Stop Asking “Why Am I Dizzy?” and Start Healing
If you’re tired of living with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, it’s time to look beyond temporary fixes. Medications may mask symptoms, but they don’t correct the root cause.
At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we use advanced diagnostics, precise adjustments, and a caring team approach to help restore balance and clarity.
Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota Florida offers complimentary consultations to learn more about you. Click the link below!
https://intake.chirohd.com/new-patient-scheduling/724/lavender-family-chiropractic
Visit our Website!
To learn more about us go to http://www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com
We also service Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, Ruskin, Venice, Tampa, St. Pete, Osprey, Longboat, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City.
If you are not local, visit www.uccnearme.com to find a doctor in your area.
👉 Call (941) 243-3729 today or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to schedule your consultation. Don’t let dizziness control your life. Find lasting relief with upper cervical chiropractic care in Sarasota, Florida.
