Vertigo 101: A Patient’s Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Real Relief

If you’ve ever had vertigo, you know it’s not “just dizziness.” It’s that disorienting, spinning feeling, like the world is moving even when you’re perfectly still. Some people describe it as being on a boat in rough water; others say it’s like their body and the room are arguing about what’s up and what’s down.

And beyond the spinning, there’s what it takes from you:

• Confidence to drive, walk, or even move freely.

• The ability to work, train, or focus.

• The peace of knowing your body is steady and reliable.

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We hear this story every single day, and maybe it’s yours too. You used to hike, dance, skate, or simply move through life without thinking twice. But now you find yourself avoiding anything that might set off that feeling. The spinning. The fear. The uncertainty.

And the hardest part is never knowing when the next episode will hit. That kind of unpredictability wears on you not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It’s exhausting in a way most people don’t understand.

At Thrive Health Systems, we see you. People walk through our doors tired, frustrated, and honestly just wanting their world to stop spinning. And we truly get it. Because when vertigo takes over, it’s not just your balance that’s thrown off. It’s your sense of safety, your confidence, and that basic trust you used to have in your own body.

You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to navigate it alone either.

But here’s the good news: you can get your balance, and your life, back.

[IMAGE]

We sat down with Dr. Arter and Dr. Grammer, who specialize in helping patients recover from vertigo by addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. They’ll explain what’s really going on in your brain and body when vertigo strikes, and how gentle, precise chiropractic care can help you find steady ground again.

Because you deserve more than temporary relief…you deserve lasting stability.

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What’s Really Going On With Vertigo?

Dr. Arter explains it this way:
“Vertigo is your brain telling you it’s confused.”

Vertigo happens when your brain receives conflicting messages about where your body is in space.
Your eyes, ears, and neck all send information to your brain about balance and position, but if one of those systems isn’t working properly, your brain scrambles to make sense of it.
That’s when the spinning starts.

There are a few main ways this can happen:

• Inner ear issues (vestibular system): Problems in the inner ear, like fluid buildup or tiny crystals moving out of place, can disrupt balance signals to the brain.

• Neck misalignment (cervicogenic vertigo): When the upper cervical spine (the top of your neck) is out of alignment, it can interfere with the nerves and muscles that help orient your body in space.

• Brainstem communication errors: The brainstem acts like a balance control center, processing signals from your eyes, ears, and neck. If those systems don’t agree, your brain becomes “confused” — resulting in dizziness or vertigo.

What Causes Vertigo?

[IMAGE]

Vertigo can have both structural and functional causes.

Common Structural Causes (Chiropractic Focus)

• Misalignment or dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck)

• Inner ear conditions like BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) or Meniere’s disease

• Tension or restricted movement that affects blood flow and nerve signaling

Lifestyle and Functional Medicine Factors

• Inflammation or chronic stress affecting the nervous system

• Nutritional deficiencies (especially B12, Vitamin D, and magnesium)

• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance

• Underlying infections or toxin exposures

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can feel different for everyone, but the most common symptoms include:

• A spinning or swaying sensation (even when you’re still)

• Difficulty with balance and coordination

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headaches or neck pain

• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes

• Visual disturbances like blurred or double vision

The Hidden Link Between Your Neck and Vertigo

[IMAGE of Atlas Alignment and Misalignment]

One of the most overlooked causes of vertigo is instability in the upper cervical spine, especially around the top two vertebrae, C1 and C2.

This area controls the information that tells your brain where your head is in space. When there’s misalignment or damage (like from a whiplash years ago), the brain receives faulty signals and can’t accurately determine your orientation.

That mismatch between what your body feels and what your eyes see creates that awful spinning sensation.

At Thrive, our doctors use orthospinology, a gentle, highly specialized form of upper cervical chiropractic, to realign and stabilize this region, allowing the brain and body to communicate clearly again.

Vertigo Recovery Can Happen: Meet the Skater Who Proved It

[DANNY VIDEO – the shortest one]

One of our favorite success stories comes from a competitive figure skater who walked into Thrive years ago looking completely defeated. He was training for the U.S. national Olympic team when vertigo suddenly hit. For an athlete whose entire life revolves around spinning, balance, and precision, it felt like everything he had worked for was slipping away. His world spun every time he turned his head, making it impossible to skate, train, or even walk in a straight line.

We started working with him using precise upper cervical adjustments, vestibular rehabilitation, and functional movement therapy. Slowly, things began to change. Bit by bit, his balance returned. His confidence followed. And eventually, he stepped back onto the ice with the stability he thought he’d lost for good.

Today, he’s skating competitively again and training for the 2030 Olympics. He’s living proof that with the right care, vertigo doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the turning point.

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How We Diagnose Vertigo at Thrive

At Thrive, we don’t just look at your symptoms, we look at your whole system of balance. That includes your neck, your vestibular system (inner ear), and your brain’s integration of those signals.

Your evaluation may include:

• A detailed health history and symptom review

• Balance and coordination testing

• Upper cervical X-rays or imaging if needed

• Neurological and proprioceptive assessments

• A functional movement analysis to assess instability

What Vertigo Treatment Looks Like at Thrive

Every case is unique, but our approach typically includes these three key phases of care:

1. Correct the Alignment

We start by gently realigning the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) using orthospinology which is a non-force technique designed to restore balance and nerve communication between the neck and brainstem.

2. Stabilize the System

Next, we work on building stability through functional movement therapy, proprioceptive retraining, and, when appropriate, vestibular exercises. This helps your brain and body regain trust in each other.

3. Reprogram the Brain for Lasting Balance

This is where neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to adapt) comes in. The longer you stay in alignment and stability, the more your brain “remembers” this new normal. It’s like training a musical instrument…with practice, you become more in tune, and your body learns to hold that balance naturally.

What Is Orthospinology?

Orthospinology is a gentle, highly precise form of upper cervical chiropractic that focuses on the atlas—the top vertebra in your spine. This area sits right next to the brainstem and plays a major role in balance, posture, and how your brain interprets movement and stability.

One of the biggest differences patients notice is that there is absolutely no twisting, popping, or neck cracking.
Instead, orthospinology uses:

• Computerized measurements

• 3D imaging when needed

• Mathematical calculations

to determine the exact angle and direction of misalignment. The correction itself is a light, controlled impulse delivered with a specialized instrument. Most patients barely feel it. But that tiny, precise input is enough to influence how the entire spine organizes itself.

Why is that important?
Because the atlas is like the keystone of your posture. If it’s off…even by a millimeter…it can affect how muscles fire, how your body balances, and how your brain receives information from the rest of your spine.

When the atlas is misaligned, those signals can become distorted or inconsistent, leading to problems like:

• vertigo

• dizziness

• imbalance

• a “floaty,” “off,” or “disconnected” feeling

• headaches

• difficulty stabilizing your head or vision

Research on upper cervical chiropractic has shown improvements in proprioception, postural stability, and balance after atlas correction, which is why this technique is often helpful for people with vertigo and vestibular issues.

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What Research Says About Upper Cervical Care (in Simple Terms)

Here’s what studies have found about upper cervical chiropractic (including Orthospinology and Atlas Orthogonal–style techniques):

Vertigo & dizziness often improve
A study from Parker University followed people with diagnosed vestibular (inner-ear) problems who received upper cervical care plus simple vestibular exercises. After 30 days, dizziness scores improved by about 67%.
(Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic)

Neck alignment can affect nerves and muscle tension
Research shows the top of your neck is full of nerves and sensors that help your brain know where your head is. When this area is misaligned, it can mix up those signals, sometimes causing dizziness and affecting balance.
(Frontiers in Neurology)

Migraine patients may see fewer headaches
A small pilot study found that correcting atlas alignment led to fewer migraine days and better quality of life. Researchers believe this may be related to improved blood flow and better brainstem function.
(NUCCA migraine study, published on PubMed/PMC)

Better balance and posture
Studies also show that realigning the top of the neck can improve how your body senses movement and position (proprioception), which plays a huge role in balance.
(Cervical proprioception literature summarized by Chiro-Trust)

Overall takeaway:
Precise upper cervical corrections can influence balance, the nervous system, and symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and headaches.

And because Orthospinology requires extra certification beyond chiropractic school, only a few doctors in Colorado are trained to do it.

What to Expect During Your First Orthospinology Adjustment (Dr. Grammer explains)

[Dr. Grammer Video]

“Because orthospinology is so specific—and so different from traditional neck adjustments, people can experience a wide variety of responses afterward. Some feel emotional, some notice old injuries briefly resurface, and some don’t feel anything unusual at all. That’s called retracing…your body revisiting old patterns as it starts to heal correctly.

There isn’t a right or wrong reaction. If something feels weird, just tell me at your next visit. And if you don’t feel anything at all, that’s completely normal too. The adjustment still worked.”

[Danny video: How Neck Car & Mobility Improved…]

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How Long Does Vertigo Recovery Take?

The truth is, it depends on why you’re experiencing vertigo in the first place.

For some people, the issue is an input problem—meaning the neck or vestibular system isn’t sending accurate information to the brain. In cases like this, Dr. Arter often sees patients start to feel relief very quickly, sometimes even after the first few treatments. Once the brain begins receiving clearer signals, the world stops feeling so unpredictable.

Other patients are dealing with instability, often from old injuries, whiplash, or long-term misalignment. These cases take more time. Dr. Arter explains that when the spine has been out of alignment for a long time, the body develops a sort of “muscle memory” for that dysfunction. It can take several months—often six or seven—for things to become truly stable again.

As he puts it, “Where you’ve been the most is where your body wants to go.” The goal of treatment is to retrain your spine and nervous system so they prefer alignment instead of slipping back into old patterns.

It doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t take nearly as long as you might think. With consistent care and the right approach, your body learns to stay balanced, stable, and steady on its own again.

Hear our patient, Danny, describe his recovery firsthand:

[Danny Video – Think Your Vertigo Is All in Your Head Check Your Neck]

“When vertigo hit, I couldn’t skate. Every turn set it off. At Thrive, I learned how much the upper cervical spine and those tiny neck muscles affect the vestibular system. With upper cervical adjustments and at-home tools like the denneroll (remodeling neck pillow), things began to shift fast. I came in March 2019 and was back on the ice just a couple weeks later. My vertigo started to dissipate as those muscles woke up and my spine stayed in alignment.”

Our Patients Say It Best

From athletes to everyday patients, we’ve seen lives completely transformed after years of dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.

✅ Regained balance and confidence
✅ Freedom to drive and work again
✅ No more spinning sensations
✅ Return to sports, hobbies, and normal life

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Why Thrive’s Approach Works

At Thrive, we don’t chase symptoms — we find and fix the cause.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines:

• Upper cervical chiropractic (orthospinology)

• Vestibular and functional movement therapy

• Laser therapy and neuromuscular retraining (when indicated)

• Nutritional and lifestyle support to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function

This combination helps restore communication between the neck, brain, and inner ear — the three systems responsible for your balance and stability.

What to Expect Moving Forward

Most patients notice improvement as their body begins to stabilize, often within a few weeks of consistent care. Treatment plans are customized, and progress is tracked closely to ensure long-term relief and prevention of recurrence.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek emergency care if vertigo is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, difficulty speaking, severe headaches, weakness or numbness, or vision loss, as these could signal a more serious condition.

Thrive’s Message to You

Vertigo doesn’t have to define your life — and it doesn’t mean you’re stuck living in fear of the next dizzy spell.

You can retrain your brain, realign your body, and reclaim your confidence.
And we’d be honored to help you get there.

If you’re ready to stop spinning and start healing, schedule a consultation at Thrive Health Systems. Let’s get your world steady again.

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Vertigo Recovery Stack

The best results happen when in-office care is paired with the right support at home. Our Vertigo Recovery Stack works alongside your chiropractic and functional medicine treatments to calm dizziness, reduce inflammation, and restore balance so your healing keeps moving forward.

Enhance your Thrive care plan with this targeted recovery bundle:

NeuroMag™:

NeuroMag™ delivers a unique form of magnesium that’s easier for the brain to absorb. Magnesium plays a key role in calming overactive nerve signals, supporting balance centers in the brain, and improving communication between brain cells. By helping restore healthy brain function, this formula may support people dealing with dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo while also boosting memory and focus.

Olivirex®:

Olivirex® uses a powerful form of Olive Leaf Extract along with other supportive herbs to help your body fight off unwanted microbes, keep your immune system strong, and support natural detox pathways. Because vertigo can sometimes be linked to inner ear infections, microbial imbalances, or inflammation, this formula may help the body clear out those underlying triggers while boosting overall resilience and wellness.

OmegaPure 900-TG™:

OmegaPure 900-TG™ helps calm inflammation by giving your body high-quality omega-3s (EPA and DHA) from pure Alaskan fish oil. These healthy fats work to keep your joints, heart, brain, and immune system balanced and supported. Because it’s made to be extra pure and fresh, your body gets the most benefit without unwanted fillers or toxins.

Ginger Extract:

Ginger Extract supports healthy digestion and circulation, two areas closely tied to balance and inner ear function. By improving blood flow, calming inflammation, and supporting the gut-brain connection, ginger may help ease dizziness, nausea, and discomfort often linked with vertigo—all while promoting overall digestive and heart health.

 

Thrive’s Message to You

Vertigo doesn’t have to control your life. At Thrive, we take a holistic, root-cause approach to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and help you feel steady and confident again. You don’t have to live in fear of the room spinning—we’re here to help you find your footing.

Begin your transformation with Thrive for $19.
✅ Doctor Consultation
✅ Full Evaluation
✅ Decompression Treatment
✅ Review of Findings

📞 Call: 1-855-395-2095
🌐 Book Online: thrivehealthsystems.com/contact-us