Controlling and preserving body position while staying still orin motion is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps an individual to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without falling, and to climb stairs without slipping.

Nearly 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, disclose having difficulties with balance. Good balance is necessary in helping an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Many older individuals, however, undergo dizziness, “wooziness,” and challenges with balance.

The experience by some people that they, themselves, or their environment is spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of people nationwide will experience dizziness that is severe enough to go to a doctor. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of severe injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Conditions

Three types of balance disorders that are most prevalent are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, though there are quite a few other classes of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common. It takes place as a brief, intense feeling of vertigo when someone changes head position. It can likewise be noticed when rolling over to the left or right in bed, upon arising in the morning, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This condition is more probable in persons 60 and older, although it can also take place in younger individuals.

There are an assortment of basis for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the problem. Many times times a simple Epleys procedure can correct the problem, though it can be linked to other disease processes. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

Labyrinthitis is an infection or iirritation of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is unknown.

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that creates vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.

Although people who are older are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only cause for why these problems occur. Depending on the reason for the balance disorder, care will vary. Many times, there’s a simple resolution to balance challenges, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is highly skilled in assessing and treating a number of balance disorders. Make an appointment with a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other problems with balance.

Whereas some balance disorders are produced by problems in the inner ear, other disorders may be associated with another region of the body, such as the brain or the heart. Other components, besides aging and ear infection, may include head injury, certain medicines, challenges with blood circulation, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, stroke, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.

Balance disorders produced by high blood pressure can normally be managed by less sodium intake,sustaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, frequently eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are serious. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is crucial to have a possible balance disorder analysed 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.

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