Balance problems are often disclosed by 9 percent of adults, aged 65 and older. Good balance is vital in assisting an older person to stay independent, and perform daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and challenges with balance are suffered by a large majority individuals as they age.

The label, vertigo, relates to the experience that some people have that they, themselves, or the things around them are spinning. About 40 percent of people nationwide will have an incidence of dizziness that is consequential enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the most widespread cause of extreme injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Challenges

There are many types of balance disorders. Three customary types are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms include 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 something on a high shelf. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals 60 and older, but it can also occur in younger adults.

The basis for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are diverse. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can produce the condition. Many times times a simple Epleys procedure can fix the problem, though it can be connected with other disease processes. Your 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 adults of any age and the cause is uncertain.

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

Even though people who are older are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only reason these problems occur. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, care will vary. Many times, there’s a simple solution to balance disorders, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in diagnosing and treating most of balance problems. Consult a health care professional, such as your chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other challenges with balance.

While some balance disorders are caused by challenges 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, problems with blood circulation, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, stroke, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.

Balance disorders created by high blood pressure can usually be managed by less sodium intake,cultivating 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 dangerous. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is extremely important to have a suspected 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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