Balance Problems
When someone keeps falling because of their center of gravity keeps moving, this means that they have balance problems.
Often, you can see them having postural sways (looks like they are swaying), and they will stop where they are and try to “grab” onto something like a wall or chair. If they fail to stabilize their balance and center of gravity, there is a high chance they will fall on the spot, without any external forces or slippery floors.
These individuals will tend to walk slowly, and do “wall walking” ie walking with their hands already on a firm surface such as
- walls
- railing
- chairs
Some may use walkers too.
Contents
Symptoms of balance problems
- Dizziness
- Wobbly
- Light headed
- Spinning room
- Unsteady
- Floating
- Woozy
These altered balance sensations suck, they will affect your ability to sit, stand, move and function safely, with high risk of falling (which comes with its own issues and injuries).
Components of Balance
- Visual – our vision is a very important factor in balance (though you can get accustomed to balance without vision with training). What our vision does is that it provides the brain with visual feedback and information on where the body is in space. This works with the vestibular and proprioception systems.
- Vestibular – The vestibular system is inside the inner ear, and works with the visual (vision) system to allow the individual to focus on objects whilst moving. Movement of the fluid within the inner ear provides the brain with information on the speed and direction of the movement the body is making.
- Proprioception – Proprioception provides feedback to the brain from every part of the body. This enables the brain to establish a picture of where the body is in space. This combined with the visual and the vestibular systems enables the body to establish and maintain balance.
- Musculoskeletal system – This is an essential component for establishing and maintaining balance, as the muscles, bones, joints and ligaments are needed in order to maintain a stable posture above the centre of gravity.
Balance is gained through a combination of the body systems and can be affected if there is a deficit in one or more of the systems.
What causes balance problems?
There are many potential causes that lead to problems with balance – any disorder of the vestibular, visual, proprioceptive and musculoskeletal systems can (and will) affect a person’s balance.
Some of the causes of balance problems can include:
- Ear infections
- Head injury
- Ageing / getting older
- Decreased mobility
- Visual deficits – deteriorating sight, blindness
- Circulatory conditions (blood pressure)
- Medication
- Joint injury
- Vertigo
How physiotherapy help?
It takes time and practice to improve balance and can have potential risks if not supervised and professional instructions are not followed.
Physiotherapy can help improve balance through:
- Musculoskeletal treatments including training to balance, proprioception, core strength etc
- Environmental advice
- Exercises to challenge balance
- Progression of exercise programs to improve balance
- Coaching strategies
- Signpost for medication reviews
- Referral to an optician
Where To Next?
- Go to Home / Start
- Learn and find out more about your pains (bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves etc) at Pain Conditions & Injuries
- Visit our shop to see products we recommend for pain relief, heating, treatments and more
- Contact us
