Is your balance off?
Many people take their balance for granted… until they start to develop balance problems. If you think about it, many body systems have to work together correctly: eyes, ears and the body’s sensory nerves (sends messages to the brain for movement and positions). So, when someone feels off-balance, symptoms arise. In fact, 70% of people in the U.S. have problems at some time during their life.
What are some of the symptoms associated with poor balance?
Symptoms vary in intensity, duration and frequency. Once someone falls – a fear, panic or anxiety of falling may develop. Common symptoms associated with balance include:
- Loss of hearing and/or ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision and/or unusual eye movement
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion or feeling disoriented
- Sweating, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
Causes of Dizziness or Poor Balance
The AIMS Clinic has assembled a Team of Experts to detect and correct the causes of dizziness or feeling of being off-balance. One or more factors may be involved:
- Injury: Whether it is a slip-and-fall or sports injury – a balance disorder may result. In fact, more than $20 billion is spent each year on treating injuries and conditions associated with falls due to balance problems in the US.
- Automobile Accident: The upper cervical area of the spine may be affected when injuries are sustained (whiplash).
- Poor Posture
- Spinal Subluxation
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infection of the ear (Ménière’s Disease, Labyrinthitis)
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular Migraines
- Underlying Illness: MS, Parkinson’s Disease
- Poor Circulation
- Anemia: Low iron levels.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar
- Hormonal Imbalances: Pre-menopause and menopause
- Nutritional Deficiency: Low B12 may be linked to causes of dizziness.
- Emotional Stress: Anxiety and panic attacks
- Medication: Some antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medication, etc.
Balance and Vertigo Treatment
Once the causes of dizziness have been detected by our Team of Experts, a customized treatment program is created. Various options may be incorporated to speed correction and healing. These include:
- Chiropractic: Utilizing specific chiropractic adjustments, spinal misalignments are corrected to help the body heal. For those seeking vertigo treatment, the Epley Maneuver is very helpful, and for those diagnosed with Ménière’s Disease the Advanced Atlas Orthogonal Technique and/or specific exercises (Brandt-Daroff Exercises) are offered.
- Physical Therapy: An exercise based approach, which strengthens postural stability and provides adaptive devices and strategies. Physical Therapy – both passive and active is improving balance in elderly, as well as younger adults and children.
- Podiatry: A strong foundation is vital to standing, walking and running. This foundation starts with the feet, which carries the weight of the body. To help with balance issues, a custom molded orthotic can improve foot function and prevent injuries.
- Acupuncture: Balance problems may be the result of an imbalance – an excessive accumulation of phlegm or blood stagnation. Factors – such as poor organ function, obstruction of energy flow or emotional stress (panic attack) may contribute to causes of dizziness. Symptoms are treated with very thin, sterilized, disposable needles that are inserted at specific acupoints into the skin.
- Nutritional Counseling: Work with our Medical Doctor and Licensed Dietician Nutritionist to create a healthy and balanced diet, and to maintain a proper percentage of body water to stay hydrated.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Whether you are seeking vertigo treatment or tips to prevent dizziness, speak with a member of The AIMS Clinic Healthcare Team. Recommendations for footwear, assistive devices, proper lighting at home or in the office and utilizing handrails are provided.
If you are interested in improving balance in elderly, young adult or child… help is available. Let us discover the causes of dizziness and customize a treatment program to help you get back and stay on your feet!
Improving balance in elderly, providing dizziness prevention strategies and helping everyone live a full and active life without pain, are the goals of our Healthcare Team at AIMS Clinic. Call us today to learn more about balance at (732) 254-5553.