Understanding the underlying issues involved in disequilibrium can help one to stave it off as long as possible. Less disequilibrium can mean fewer falls, and that’s a good thing at any age.

What Causes Disequilibrium?

As with dizziness and vertigo, disequilibrium is often caused by a vestibular issue. This is the system that the body uses to maintain balance and to see where it is in relation to surroundings. Sight, the inner ear, and sensors throughout the body (especially in the feet and spine) are all a part of this process. Something only has to go wrong in one location.

For example, a vision problem can lead to walking into things since the body can’t accurately determine how close objects are. A problem with the inner ear can lead to a spinning sensation. A problem with the sensors in the feet can easily lead to a fall.

Preventing Lack of Equilibrium Through Spinal Alignment

The upper cervical spine plays a key role in this process as well. Not only does the spine send signals that help the body to locate surroundings, but the spine also protects the spinal cord and brainstem, which is the means of communication in the body. A misalignment of the C1, in particular, can lead to the body sending confused signals about location and spatial orientation. The result can be feeling off balance or seeing the floor start to move before your eyes.

Upper cervical chiropractors trained to correct misalignments of the atlas (C1). Once such a misalignment is corrected, many patients find that vestibular problems like disequilibrium and vertigo are greatly improved. This may help a patient to keep falls at bay and make day to day activities easier.

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