Controlling and preserving body position while staying still orin motion is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps someone to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without falling, and to climb stairs without slipping.
Approximately 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, describe having challenges with balance. Good balance is necessary in aiding an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Quite a few older people, however, undergo dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance.
The sensation by some people that they, themselves, or objects are spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of Americans will have an incidence of dizziness that is severe enough to go to a doctor. And, among older adults, falls are the most widespread cause of extreme injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Conditions
Three types of balance disorders that are most conventional are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, though there are many other kinds of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common. Its symptoms encompass a brief, intense feeling 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 problem is more probable in people 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger individuals.
The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are diverse. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the affliction. Often times a simple Epleys procedure can fix the problem, but it can be associated with 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 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 produces vertigo, hearing loss irregular, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Although those over 65 years are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only reason these problems take place. Treatment for balance disorders varies based upon the cause. Occasionally, there’s a simple resolution to balance disorders, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating many of balance dysfunctions. Make an appointment with a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have undergone, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other problems with balance.
Not all balance disorders are caused by challenges in the inner ear. A small number may include other regions of the body like the brain or heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation challenges, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all components that, along with aging and ear infection, may create balance disorders.
Balance disorders created by high blood pressure can normally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less severe, most often eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are significant. It is the most prevalent cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is extremely important to have a possible 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.