Controlling and keeping body position while remaining still or moving is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps an individual to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without slipping.
Balance challenges are frequently described by 9 percent of adults, aged 65 and older. Good balance is vital in helping an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance are encountered by a large majority individuals as they grow older.
The feeling by individuals that they, themselves, or the things around them are spinning is commonly referred to as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of individuals in the U.S. will have an incidence of dizziness that is serious enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of severe injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Challenges
There are many types of balance disorders. Three familiar types are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms involve a brief, intense sensation of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This affliction is more disposed in persons 60 and older, however it can also occur in younger individuals.
There are diverse causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the affliction. While it can be associated with other disease processes, many times a simple Epleys procedure can eliminate the problem. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.
Labyrinthitis is an infection or irritation of the inner ear that creates dizziness and loss of balance. It affects people|individuals of any age and the cause is uncertain.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Age is not the only cause for why these afflictions take place, but older individuals are more likely to encounter balance disorders. Depending on the reason for the balance disorder, care will vary. Many times, there’s a simple answer to balance problems, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-trained in assessing and treating many of balance dysfunctions. Call a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have undergone, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other abnormalities with balance.
Not all balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. A small number may be associated with other areas of the body like the brain or heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation problems, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all influences that, along with aging and ear infection, may create balance disorders.
Balance disorders created by high blood pressure can usually be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less severe, generally eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are significant. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a suspected balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions listed below, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:
• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”
• Does the room seem to spin around you?
• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?
• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?
• Do you feel as if you are falling?
• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”
• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.

Recent Comments