Neck Harmony: Balancing Function for a Stable Life!
Sep 25, 2023 -- Posted by :In the nervous system, there are three primary areas that regulate our balance: the cerebellum (located in the back of the brain), the dorsal columns (located in the back of the spinal cord), and the inner ear (the “vestibular” part of our cranial nerve VIII). There are also small, microscopic “proprioceptors” or mechanical receptors located in our joint capsules, muscles, and tendons that relay information to the brain and work hard to keep us upright when we walk, run, and play!
Conditions that can lead to balance issues encompass a range of factors, including but not limited to, BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord resides), dorsal column disease, cerebellar lesions, and reduced blood flow to the back of the brain. There are also other factors linked to lightheadedness, such as variations in blood pressure (both low and high), hydration levels, medications, postural or orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, endocrine disorders, hyperventilation, heart-related ailments, and vasovagal syncope. Nevertheless, problems stemming from BPPV or inner ear issues are the most commonly reported causes of dizziness.
It's essential to take immediate action if dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. If consuming food alleviates the dizziness, it's advisable to undergo blood testing to assess for hypoglycemia. However, if you experience confusion, memory lapses, alterations in speech, facial drooping, weakness on one side of your body, or an abrupt headache, these could signal a potential stroke, brain bleed, or tumor and warrant prompt evaluation. If ANY of these signs or symptoms are present, we will make a referral to the appropriate specialist for further assessment.
The upper cervical spine has also been found to affect balance, and it’s a primary area of treatment that we as chiropractors focus on when patients complain about balance dysfunction. Unique to this upper cervical region is the fact that the nucleus of cranial nerve V (the trigeminal nerve) extends down the spinal canal to the C2 level and adjustments in this region can have significant benefits for several other conditions, including trigeminal nerve problems as well as BPPV (inner ear dysfunction such as dizziness) where small crystals dislodge from the ampulla of the semicircular canal and interfere with the flow of fluid inside the canal with resulting dizziness. Adjustments and the BPPV exercises (Epley’s and / or Brandt-Daroff) significantly benefit this cause of dizziness. You can depend on our evaluation to determine if chiropractic is the right choice in managing your balance disturbance!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care for neck pain, we would be honored to render our services.
So, if you are experiencing neck pain, pinched neck nerve, cervical radiculopathy or pain in your neck muscles and type in pain management near me or chiropractor near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my neck and who around me can I get a referral from?”
Some people around you will try stretching first to see if they get relief from their neck pain. A pulled muscle generally will get better with rest. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional near you.
Check out what the experts say about chiropractic care for neck pain here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31870638/
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by if we’re in your area on your day off for a walk-in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.
So if you find yourself experiencing neck pain that is affecting your quality of life and allowing you to enjoy Fort Myers Beach. Come see us at Coast Chiropractic Centers located on 7270 College Parkway.
If you would like to avoid getting neck pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
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Don't let neck pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.