Balance Issues
A Deep Dive Into the Balance System
The Root Cause of Balance Issues
Maintaining proper balance relies on the seamless integration of three critical inputs: the inner ears, the eyes, and the proprioceptors located in the muscles and joints of your body. These systems work together to provide your brain with real-time information about your orientation in space, allowing you to maintain steady posture, proper control of movement, and a stable position. When functioning correctly, they create a synchronized network that supports equilibrium and prevents unsteadiness.
The central processing hub for these inputs is the vestibular nucleus, located in the brainstem. This structure integrates signals from the inner ear’s semicircular canals, visual cues from the eyes, and positional feedback from the proprioceptors. Any disruption to this integration can result in poor postural and muscular control, leading to unsteadiness, a loss of balance, and an increased risk of falls.
One of the most overlooked causes of this disruption is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The upper cervical spine is uniquely positioned at the junction of the brainstem and spinal cord, making it a critical area for transmitting vestibular signals. Misalignments in this region can irritate the nerves or interfere with blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, causing dysfunction in the vestibular nucleus.
These misalignments often stem from injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Falls or slips (e.g., on ice or during sports)
- Head impacts, including concussions
- Prolonged improper posture (e.g., sleeping awkwardly or prolonged screen use)
When the cranio-cervical junction is misaligned, it disrupts the flow of information from the proprioceptors and inner ears to the vestibular nucleus. This leads to the body receiving conflicting signals, which manifest as unsteadiness, poor coordination, and balance issues. Correcting these misalignments is essential for restoring the body’s ability to maintain stability and proper movement control.
Evaluating and Correcting Misalignments with Advanced Orthogonal Care
At Cerebral Chiropractic Center, we specialize in pinpointing and correcting upper cervical misalignments using the Advanced Orthogonal Technique. This state-of-the-art approach allows us to target the root causes of balance issues with unmatched precision, improving vestibular function and restoring stability.
Our Process
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
Your care begins with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms and any past injuries that may have contributed to your balance issues. Our team conducts a thorough examination, including advanced imaging, to assess the alignment of your upper cervical spine and its impact on the vestibular system.
2. Precise Adjustments
Once misalignments are identified, we use the Advanced Orthogonal Technique, which employs a percussive sound wave instrument to deliver gentle, precise adjustments. This method realigns the cranio-cervical junction without twisting, cracking, or popping the neck.
3. Restoring Stability
By realigning the upper cervical spine, we restore proper communication between the brainstem and the body, improving the integration of vestibular signals. This allows for better postural control, enhanced coordination, and reduced unsteadiness.
Unlike traditional chiropractic care, the Advanced Orthogonal Technique is specifically designed to address the delicate structures of the upper cervical spine, making it ideal for conditions that affect balance. Our goal is not just to improve your symptoms temporarily, but to achieve long-term stability and restore your confidence in your ability to move freely and securely.
Real Patients, Real Stories
The best way to understand the impact of Advanced Orthogonal Care is through the experiences of patients who have seen their balance restored. Here are a few examples of how our care has made a difference:
“I Finally Feel Stable Again”
"After years of feeling like I couldn’t trust my own feet, I came to Cerebral Chiropractic. I was nervous about another fall and avoided so many activities because I felt so unsteady. After a few weeks of care, I started noticing improvements, and now I can walk with confidence again. It’s like my balance was fully reset!"
- Amy R.
“From Wobbly to Steady”
"I was always lightheaded and felt like the ground was shifting under me. I had tried physical therapy, but it didn’t make much difference. Dr. Chris’s precise adjustments changed everything. I feel steady on my feet for the first time in years, and I no longer worry about falling."
- David L.
“A Solution That Finally Worked”
"I had been to so many specialists, and no one could explain why I was so unsteady. Cerebral Chiropractic helped me get to the root of the issue, and their gentle care made all the difference. My balance has improved dramatically, and I’m back to enjoying my daily walks without fear."
- Susan T.
Take the First Step Toward Restoring Balance
If you’ve been struggling with balance issues or unsteadiness, don’t wait to find the solution you need. At Cerebral Chiropractic Center, our expert doctors specialize in correcting upper cervical misalignments to restore balance and improve your quality of life.
Call us today at (727) 677-0001 to schedule your consultation. During your visit, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your condition, take advanced imaging, and develop a customized care plan tailored to your unique needs. Regain your confidence, stability, and peace of mind with care that addresses the root cause of your balance challenges.
References
- Miller JA, Hosek MS, Rectenwald R, Sliver J, Pierce Sr. GS. "Improved Stability Measured by Posturography Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care." J Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. 2018 Oct;33-45.
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Our Doctors
Experts in Spinal and Neurological Care
Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP
Craniocervical Specialist
Dr. Slininger focuses heavily on complex neurological conditions and advanced spinal challenges such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, concussion, mTBI and more.
Dr. Ethan Surprenant, DC
Upper Cervical Chiropractor
Dr. Surprenant specializes in innovative, non-invasive Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, uniquely addressing complex neurological conditions like dysautonomia, migraines, headaches, cranio-cervical syndrome, to restore lasting neurological health.