Remaining balanced and upright on our feet is something we probably take for granted in our youth, but as you or your parents get older, having good balance begins to become more of a priority. Balance and coordination is oftentimes tied to issues in your inner ear, but problems in your spine can also wreak havoc on your ability to remain upright. Below, we take a closer look at three spinal conditions that can have a significant effect on your balance and coordination.
Spine Issues Causing Balance Problems
If your back isn’t right, you may find it hard to stay balanced and coordinated on your feet. Here’s a look at three spinal conditions that can cause balance issues:
- Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, oftentimes the result of arthritic degeneration or the formation of bone spurs. When the space through which key spinal nerves travel narrows, the nerves can become damaged or compressed. This can lead to nerve dysfunction, and our nerves play a key role in muscle movement and in turn our ability to maintain balance and coordination. Nerve compression can also cause muscle weakness, further increasing our risk of a fall.
- Disc Herniation – Another condition that can cause issues for our ability to remain upright and balanced is a herniated disc. Similar to the underlying problem caused by spinal stenosis, a shifting spinal disc can end up irritating key spinal nerves. Again, disruptions along neural pathways can inhibit muscle function and negatively impact coordination. Thankfully, herniated discs can oftentimes be treated with simple conservative measures like physical therapy and posture improvements to help patients improve their balance and alleviate any related symptoms caused by their disc herniation.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Degenerative disc disease is our third and final spinal issue that can cause balance problems. Oftentimes the result of natural aging but exacerbated by issues like smoking or obesity, degenerative disc disease involves the thinning of the flexible discs that sit between our vertebrae and aid in spinal movement and flexibility. If your discs become thinner, they also have a tendency to shift out of place, which can lead to a disc herniation like we touched on above. Degenerative disc disease can also lead to chronic back pain if treatments are not pursued, and pain can also make it harder to maintain your balance. Physical therapy and controlled exercise are the best way to treat and prevent progression of degenerative disc disease.
So if back pain is making you a little more unsteady on your feet, don’t ignore the problem. Correct the issue with the help of a spine specialist and become more balanced and coordinated. For more information, or to talk to a specialist about a different spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
