Balance Issues/Treatment | NYC

Q: What causes balance issues?

Balance issues often stem from spinal conditions that affect the nerves responsible for coordination and stability. Injuries or degeneration in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine can impinge on nerves, leading to unsteadiness, dizziness, or difficulty maintaining balance. At SpineCare of NY, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these spine-related balance problems to restore mobility and confidence.

Q: How do I know if my balance issues are serious and need to be treated?

If you frequently feel unsteady, experience dizziness, or have difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs, your balance issues may require medical attention. Spine-related balance problems can worsen, increasing the risk of falls and injury.

Q: How are balance issues treated?

Treatment for balance issues depends on the underlying spinal condition and may involve non-invasive therapies, physical therapy, or surgical intervention when necessary. Our team at SpineCare of NY develops personalized treatment plans, combining cutting-edge surgical techniques with conservative treatments to improve stability and mobility.

Q: What medications treat balance issues?

Medications are not typically the primary treatment for spine-related balance issues, but in some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms. If dizziness or nerve compression contribute to your instability, certain medications may be used alongside physical therapy and other interventions.

Q: Can you feel unbalanced but not dizzy? Why?

Many patients with spine-related balance issues feel unsteady without experiencing dizziness. This is often due to nerve compression or spinal misalignment affecting motor control and coordination rather than the vestibular system.

Q: Is physical therapy needed to treat balance issues?

Physical therapy is often essential for treating balance issues, particularly when related to spinal conditions. Strengthening the muscles supporting the spine and improving coordination can help reduce unsteadiness and prevent falls. SpineCare of NY works closely with expert physical therapists to provide personalized rehabilitation plans for each patient.

Q: How are balance issues diagnosed?

At SpineCare of NY, balance issues are diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history review, and advanced imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests help identify spinal injuries, nerve compression, or degenerative changes contributing to balance problems. A precise diagnosis allows for a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Q: Can balance issues go away on their own?

Some mild balance issues caused by temporary inflammation or minor injuries may be resolved on their own. However, chronic or worsening balance problems, especially those related to spinal conditions, often require medical intervention.

Q: What part of the brain regulates balance?

Balance is primarily regulated by the cerebellum, which processes movement coordination, and the brainstem, which integrates signals from the spinal cord, inner ear, and eyes. When spinal nerve pathways are disrupted, these signals can be affected, leading to balance problems.

Q: Is it normal to lose your balance as you get older?

While some decline in balance can occur with aging due to muscle loss and joint changes, persistent or severe balance issues are not a normal part of aging. Spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease and nerve compression, can contribute to instability and should be evaluated.

Balance issues can make everyday tasks both difficult and dangerous, whether at home or in the workplace. When these issues are linked to the spine, they may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness, creating discomfort and increasing the risk of falls. At SpineCare of NY, we specialize in diagnosing and treating balance problems related to spine conditions, using the latest up-to-date treatment methods.

What are Balance Issues?

Balance issues can manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, or difficulty maintaining stability. These challenges can disrupt your ability to walk, stand, or climb stairs, often reducing independence and heightening fall risk. Balance problems may stem from the natural aging process, but they are frequently caused by cervical spine or other spinal conditions, which can compromise coordination and stability during daily activities.

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What Causes Balance Issues?

Spinal health plays a significant role in maintaining balance. The nerves along the spine send vital signals to the rest of the body, and any disruption can cause discomfort and interfere with movement. Common spine-related causes of balance issues include:

Neck (cervical spine) injuries, Mid-back (thoracic spine) injuries: can lead to unsteadiness and coordination difficulties. These conditions can impinge on nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain, limited movement, weakness, and balance issues.
Low back (lumbar spine): Compressed nerves in these areas can affect motor control, leading to sensations of instability or weakness.

What Our Patients Are Saying

We are dedicated to delivering expert and compassionate care at SpineCare of NY. Check out our reviews to hear the stories of our incredible patients.

Dr. Hughes is an amazing spinal surgeon. He does a great physical examination along with understanding the imaging. My operation for spinal stenosis went well and I started walking the next morning and came home the day after. The office is very responsive even though VERY busy. I went from a wreck to a mobile oldster in a vet short time.

David R.

The entire staff of NY Spine Care are outstanding, very responsive and always willing to listen and offer solutions. I am not sure I can add much to Dr. Camissa’s already stellar reputation, however my experience was simply amazing. I had work done on both my cervical and lumbar and Dr. Camissa was extremely forthright about the procedure, risks, and recovery which prepared me for any eventuality. Both my surgeries were a success and I am forever indebted to Dr. Cammisa and his staff.

Nicholas T.

Dr. Hughes and his staff are outstanding!!! I had a microdiscectomy-Laminectomy surgery. My pain prior to surgery was at a 10. I felt immediate relief post surgery and now pain free. I can’t thank Dr. Hughes and his staff enough! I’m back to the gym and playing tennis 3x a week.

Patrick O.

Symptoms of Balance Issues

Balance issues may present with the following symptoms:

Difficulty standing or walking steadily
Frequent falls or fear of falling
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Clumsiness
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Change in coordination

How are Balance Issues Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose your balance issues, one of our physicians at SpineCare of NY will examine your spine and joints to check for any signs of injury. Taking a full medical and family history will help determine any conditions that may be the cause of your balance issues. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to get a better look at your vertebrae and discs, as well as your neck.

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How to Treat Balance Issues

The best treatment for your balance issues will depend on what is causing them. Whether you are experiencing unsteadiness on your feet due to an injury or other medical condition, our physicians work closely with a team of non-surgical physicians to come up with the most effective and least invasive treatment option available. In many cases, this can mean combining highly researched and up-to-date surgeries with non-invasive treatments like physical therapy.

Schedule a Consultation

Our physicians at SpineCare of NY are world-renowned for their achievements in research and surgical expertise. We are affiliated with the number one ranked orthopedic hospital in the United States, Hospital for Special Surgery, ensuring you receive expert care through every step of your journey to improved spine health. To schedule a consultation at SpineCare of NY, head to our website to fill out an online contact form today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes balance issues?

How do I know if my balance issues are serious and need to be treated?

How are balance issues treated?

What medications treat balance issues?

Can you feel unbalanced but not dizzy? Why?

Is physical therapy needed to treat balance issues?

How are balance issues diagnosed?

Can balance issues go away on their own?

What part of the brain regulates balance?

Is it normal to lose your balance as you get older?

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Get In Touch

SpineCare of NY is located at 523 East 72nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021.

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Balance Issues