Vertigo & Vestibular
Balance Problems & Disequilibrium
Feeling unsteady on your feet, particularly in the dark or on uneven ground.
Also called: Unsteadiness.
Unsteadiness without a spinning sensation often relates to position sense and coordination rather than the inner ear alone. It is commonly noticed more in the dark, on uneven ground, or when tired.
This pattern is worth describing precisely, since the details — when it happens, what makes it better or worse — help direct a useful evaluation.
Why this matters
Balance is strongly linked to independence and fall risk as people get older, and unlike many symptoms, it can be measured with reasonably objective testing rather than relying only on a person's description.
Identifying specific, correctable contributors to unsteadiness is generally more useful than treating it as an unavoidable part of getting older.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Balance is an integration task: the brain combines information from the eyes, inner ear, and position sense throughout the body. We test how well this integration is working rather than assuming it based on age or general health.
Where a specific contributor is identified, care can focus on that area directly rather than addressing balance in a general, non-specific way.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
- Sudden onset of severe unsteadiness
- Unsteadiness with weakness or numbness
- Recent falls, especially with head impact
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
- Auto Accident Injury — Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.