The ability to maintain balance may seem simple, but it is actually a strong indicator of both current and future health. Balance and coordination rely on the nervous system’s ability to process sensory information efficiently. Measuring balance displacement is one of the sensorimotor markers often observed in individuals with chronic pain. Poor balance is also a major predictor of falls, especially as we age.
How Does Balance in the Body Work?
Balance is controlled by communication between the nervous system, muscles, and joints. Nerves send sensory information to the brain, and the brain responds by coordinating movement through muscles and joints. When pain signals are persistent or sensory input becomes altered, the body’s ability to communicate efficiently can be disrupted.
With impaired sensorimotor communication often seen in people with chronic neck pain or back pain, balance and coordination may suffer. Reduced balance increases the likelihood of injuries and falls during daily activities, making efficient neural communication essential for movement and stability.
Chronic Pain, Balance, and Injury Risk
Research shows an association between chronic pain and impaired balance. This increased fall risk is especially important in the elderly population and in athletes who continue to train or compete while managing chronic pain. When falls or injuries occur, they can significantly affect long-term health and physical function.
Chronic neck pain, in particular, has been shown to affect proprioception and postural control and is a common musculoskeletal condition in the United States. Changes to these controls can contribute to coordination challenges and increase the risk of injury over time.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Improve Balance?
Research suggests that joint mobilization and gentle chiropractic care may help improve coordination and sensorimotor function. By addressing joint mobility and reducing pain, chiropractic care may positively influence how the nervous system processes movement-related information.
Here at Hood View Chiropractic in Gresham Oregon, we focus on treating chronic pain while also teaching injury-prevention strategies you can use at home. Studies indicate that gentle chiropractic manipulations or mobilizations can influence neural signaling and sensorimotor integration, which may help reduce the risk of future falls or injuries.
Supporting Balance Through Movement and Care
If you have been dealing with chronic pain and have not been able to find lasting relief, chiropractic care may be part of the solution. In addition to treatment, we teach exercises and movement strategies designed to support balance, coordination, and long-term function so you can move with confidence and bring more joy back into your life.
If you enjoy reading this, come see for yourself how The Hood View Chiropractic Team can help manage your pain.
Call and make an appointment at (503) 669-1966
Located at 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 265, Gresham, OR 97030
References
- Kim, J., & Cho, J. (2024). Effectiveness of mid thoracic spine mobilization on postural balance and gait ability in subacute stroke patients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230144 (sagepub.com)
- Raizah, A., Reddy, R. S., Alshahrani, M. S., Gautam, A. P., Alkhamis, B. A., Kakaraparthi, V. N., Ahmad, I., Kandakurti, P. K., & ALMohiza, M. A. (2023). A cross‑sectional study on mediating effect of chronic pain on the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance in elderly individuals with chronic neck pain: Mediation analysis study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(9), 3140. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/9/3140 (mdpi.com)
- Sennholz, A., Szikszay, T. M., Marusich, T., Luedtke, K., & Carvalho, G. F. (2023). Association between central sensitization, pain sensitivity and balance control in patients with migraine. European Journal of Pain. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.2218 (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)