Balance is something most people take for granted until it becomes impaired. Maintaining balance requires the brain, inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints to work together continuously. When one part of this system is not functioning properly, you may experience unsteadiness, poor coordination, or an increased risk of falls. While balance problems can have many causes, healthy movement of the spine and joints plays an important role in maintaining stability.

Key Insight:

The joints of the spine, particularly those in the neck, contain specialized sensory receptors that constantly send information to the brain about body position and movement. This process, known as proprioception, helps the brain coordinate posture, balance, and movement. When spinal joints become restricted or injured, the quality of this sensory input may be altered. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal joint movement, which can help optimize communication between the spine and the nervous system.

Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments may influence proprioception, sensorimotor integration, postural control, and balance in some individuals. Therapeutic exercises and balance training are often incorporated into care to further improve coordination and reduce the risk of falls.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual's symptoms, health history, examination findings, and functional goals.

If you have noticed changes in your balance, coordination, or stability, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the cause and identify the most appropriate treatment options. Early assessment is especially important if your symptoms are sudden, worsening, or associated with weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.

Interested in learning how chiropractic care may help support balance and healthy movement? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized care plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Haavik H, Murphy B. The Role of Spinal Manipulation in Addressing Dysfunction of the Central Nervous System. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. Available through PubMed.

• Haavik H, Niazi IK, Holt K, Murphy B. Effects of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation on Sensorimotor Function and Brain Processing.

• Gevers-Montoro C, Provencher B, Descarreaux M, et al. Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Spine Pain. European Journal of Pain.

• Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. Exercise for Preventing Falls in Older People Living in the Community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.