Balance, Inner Ear Problems, and the Advantages of Chiropractic Treatment

Santa Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions

Regulating and preserving body position while staying still ormobile is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps an individual to walk without faltering, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without stumbling.

Balance difficulties are regularly described by 9 percent of adults, aged 65 and older. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and implement daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance are suffered by quite a few individuals as they grow older.

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

Balance and Inner Ear Problems

Three types of balance disorders that are most familiar are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, although there are a variety of other types of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms include 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 condition is more likely to occur in people 60 and older, but it can also occur in younger individuals.

The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are varied. It may be caused by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Even though it can be connected with other disease processes, frequently a simple Epleys procedure can fix the problem. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

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

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.

Age is not the only cause for why these problems occur, but older persons are more likely to experience balance disorders. Care for balance disorders varies based upon the reason. Occasionally, 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 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 abnormalities with balance.

Not every balance disorders are produced by complications in the inner ear. A small number may involve other regions of the body such as 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 caused by high blood pressure can generally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To help in making the symptoms of dizziness less acute, most often eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are dangerous. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is extremely important to have a possible balance disorder accessed and treated as soon as possible.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, 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.