Chiropractor Pasadena Ca | Balance & Vertigo; Disorders Of The Inner Ear
There are few things quite so disorienting as being constantly off balance & vertigo
. These two symptoms are often connected to inner ear malfunctions. Imagine trying to live your life when everything appears to be spinning around or the ground under your feet feels like it is moving constantly.
There are many disorders that lead to feelings of vertigo or poor balance; some respond well to treatment, others don't.
Vertigo: A Disease of the Vestibular System -
The vestibular system is responsible for keeping track of what you see and integrating it with sensory stimuli. As you move your head, signals are transmitted to the labyrinth in the ear, comprised of three semicircular canals that are filled with fluid.
Information goes from the labyrinth to the cerebellum and the brain stem. If the informational patterns don't match up people experience sensations of dizziness.
Vertigo is caused by a variety of situations. Something as simple as flying in an aircraft can cause temporary vertigo. Meniere disease causes severe vertigo as a result of pressure changes within the inner ear. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can occur when otoliths form and move around the canals triggering sensations of spinning. Even ear infections can lead to vertigo.
In cases where vertigo is experienced long term, vestibular rehabilitation therapy focuses upon teaching the brain to compensate and adapt to the new situation. Designed by a physical therapist, the protocol involves exercises done with a practitioner and independently, at home.
Balance Issues Present Dangers to the Elderly -
For older patients balance becomes a real problem. Falls among the elderly can lead to hip fractures and other serious injuries. Such a trauma, especially at an advanced age, can be particularly damaging, and even lead to a premature death.
Fortunately, there are many positive ways to treat balance issues in the elderly population. Behavioral modifications, such as rising slowly, never placing things on the floor where they might become an obstacle, and adding a handrail to the stairs can make a big difference. Such minor changes can allow an older relative to remain independent and at home.
Because such balance issues are almost expected in the older age ranges it is important to make sure that doctors do a complete evaluation before assuming that age is the only factor involved. Many medications also cause feelings of dizziness and vertigo, so any prescriptions should be evaluated if the problem seems to come on suddenly.
Anticipating the Baby Boomer Generation -
We are faced with an aging population; this comes as no surprise to anyone. Baby boomers are approaching their senior years and the problems associated with aging. Some forward thinking medical clinics have begun developing treatment centers specifically designed for treating ailments associated with age.
Balance treatment centers are among the new wave of medical facilities and offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment all in one place. While these institutions may not be suitable for all patients, they provide a "one stop" experience for those that need them.
Alternative therapies have demonstrated success in treating some forms of vertigo and balance disorders. Chiropractic treatment and massage therapy as well as acupuncture may be useful if you have idiopathic balance issues and other, more traditional venues have not proven successful.
by: Chris Tomshack
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