We once hosted a “Better Balance and Less Falls” event in the clinic for anyone who wanted to put their balance to the test, or who’d noticed they were feeling a bit unsteady on their feet. Between balance games and a simple walk-in-a-straight-line test, the group found out just how steady, or wobbly, they really were. And nearly everyone who came through said some version of the same thing afterward: “I didn’t realize my balance was THAT bad.”
It’s true for most of us: we rarely realize we have a balance problem until it’s pointed out. You don’t need superhuman balance like a gymnast or ice skater, but you do need enough to go about your day without falling and getting hurt. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for.
Dizziness
Everyone has a dizzy spell now and then, but “dizziness” can mean different things to different people: a fleeting sensation of spinning for some, something more intense and lasting for others. If the room feels like it’s spinning, if you feel like you’re moving while sitting or standing still, or if you feel lightheaded or faint frequently, that’s a good sign your balance needs attention.
Poor posture
A lot of people write this off as just a part of getting older, or sitting at a desk all day. The muscles in your core and lower back work together to hold your spine and pelvis in place. If they’re weak, your body becomes less stable, and you won’t be able to stand steadily for long, so you end up slouched and slumped, straining the muscles further. If you find yourself leaning on the grocery cart or a handrail to help you move around, there’s a good chance your balance needs some work.
Low back pain
Low back pain is also a sign that balance is slowly declining. The back and core support the body and keep you standing tall; when those muscles are weak, the back takes on pain. In fact, low back pain and poor balance often go hand in hand.
Losing confidence
We hear from a lot of clients that they’ve started relying on a spouse to help them get around the house, or that they’ve lost the confidence to leave the house alone for fear of feeling unsteady in front of people. Some signs are dramatic, like falling unexpectedly; others are subtle, like the small accommodations you don’t even notice you’ve started making. Either way, the earlier you notice and act on them, the better your odds of avoiding a fall altogether.