Disequilibrium—What to Do When You Can’t Find Your Balance

Disequilibrium is a frightening reality that many must deal with as they age. It involves the feeling that one cannot walk normally without a fall. Sometimes the ground may feel like it is coming up to meet you. This condition becomes more common the older one is. It is no wonder that one in three Americans over the age of 65 will experience a fall this year.

More Statistics About Disequilibrium and Falls

• More than 2.8 million injuries are treated in an ER each year due to falls.
• In 2013 alone, falls cost $34 billion in medical expenses.
• Falls are the number one cause of both injuries and fatalities among the elderly in the US.

Why We Get Dizzy

While there are many different causes of dizziness, disequilibrium, or vertigo, one common underlying issue is a misalignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae. These bones are positioned at the base of the skull where the brainstem meets the spinal column. Even a slight misalignment can result in problems for the vestibular system which controls balance and spatial orientation.

Getting to the Source of Disequilibrium

Even a mild accident or injury can cause the C1 or C2 to shift out of place. This can cause various types of dizziness. However, there a safe and gentle way to get these bones back into proper alignment. This is through upper cervical chiropractic.

Unlike general chiropractic, upper cervical care does not involve the popping or twisting. Instead, a low force correction is used to realign the bones gently. This results in long-lasting corrections that give the body time for optimal healing.

At Upper Cervical Hawaii, we examine each individual patient’s spine to develop the best possible care plan. If you suffer from disequilibrium, especially if you have any kind of head or neck trauma in your history, schedule a consultation to learn what upper cervical chiropractic may be able to do for you.

About the Author

Dr. Joe Breuwet

Upper Cervical Hawaii, LLC

Dr. Breuwet is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and has studied and practiced the National Upper Cervical Care Association (NUCCA) technique for the past 17 years. After spending 10 years in the hotel industry as a General Manager, I decided to follow my passion and enter into the natural health care field. During my first few months at Palmer College, I quickly came to the realization that there are many different types of Chiropractic. I decided to learn and practice the most precise and specific form of Chiropractic, NUCCA.