Feeling Off-Balance?
How Your Neck Might Be Playing a Part
Back pain is one of those near-universal experiences, and most of the time it is far less sinister than it feels. Still, a small number of warning signs are worth knowing, because acting on them early genuinely matters. If you have ever wondered whether your back pain is the ordinary kind or the kind to get checked, this one is for you.
How your body keeps you balanced
Staying upright relies on three main streams of information: your eyes, the balance organs in your inner ear, and the position sensors in your muscles and joints, including plenty in the neck. Your brain blends these signals to know where you are in space. When one stream sends muddled information, the result can be a sense of unsteadiness or feeling slightly off.
Where the neck comes in
The upper neck is rich in position sensors that help tell your brain which way your head is turned. When the neck is stiff, tense or not moving well, those signals can become less reliable, and for some people that contributes to a vague, unsteady feeling. This is sometimes called cervicogenic dizziness, meaning dizziness related to the neck, and it often travels alongside neck stiffness or headaches.
An important word on safety
Dizziness and balance problems have many possible causes, and some need other kinds of care. Inner-ear conditions, blood pressure changes, medication effects and other medical issues can all be involved, which is exactly why a careful assessment matters. If your dizziness is severe, comes on suddenly, or arrives with symptoms like slurred speech, weakness, double vision or a severe headache, treat it as urgent and seek medical care straight away.
What an assessment involves
A good first step is working out what is actually driving the symptoms. We take a thorough history, screen for the causes that need other care, and check how your neck is moving and whether it may be playing a part. Where the neck is a genuine contributor, there is often plenty that can be done to help. And if something points elsewhere, we will help you get to the right person.
If you are feeling off-balance and want to understand why, have a chat with our team at Apex Chiropractic. We can assess what is going on and support you from there. Call 1300 274 493 or book online at apexchiropractic.au.
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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.