Today I want to talk about balance, and I don’t mean the Zen kind, but the kind you need when you’re navigating through a crowded restaurant. At Livingston Chiropractic, we treat people from all walks (and stumbles) of life who just want to stay steady on their feet .It’s not just about feeling embarrassed when you wipe out in public, it’s about protecting your joints, keeping your spine happy and helping you to move with confidence.
The sad thing? Most people don’t notice their balance until is gone (sort of like that last piece of cake that you swore was there.) Many times, balance fades with age. “Other times our screen-heavy lives turn our core muscles into couch potatoes, stealing away our balance when we need to be able to leap over a napping cat.”
Your spine is the star in this balancing act. The smallest misalignment in your spine is like riding a bike with a wobbly wheel. This is why Dr. Livingston will always check your alignment if you’re feeling a little “off.” He will than give you a quick tune-up to help your body balance the way it should . As he says, “When your balance is good, your joints are protected and your spine is elated.”
On the flip side, most people don’t realize that balance problems aren’t always caused by lack of muscle strength or just plain aging. Sometimes it’s your nerves that are the culprit here. Think of your nerves as your body’s electrical wiring. If there’s a short circuit caused by pinched nerves, disc problems, or a condition such as diabetic neuropathy your brain’s balance message won’t get through to the muscles in your core, legs, and feet. This blocks your body from reacting quickly when you wobble or trip.
A common question is “So how did I get here in the first place?” Sometimes is simply part of the aging process . Other times it’s caused by our modern lifestyles – not having enough movement by spending too much time in front of a screen.
You can get your balance back. Dr. Livingston’s favorite trick: stand on one foot and try brushing your teeth. You may feel silly, but you will be training your stabilizer (and get minty fresh in the process). After you’ve succeeded this feat, try it again with your eyes closed – but just for a second, Livingston Chiropractic doesn’t cover toothpaste on the ceiling.
Another “at-home trick” is to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line. No sobriety issues here, you’re just waking up your sleepy muscles while reminding your brain how balance works.
But don’t wait! If you are feeling a little like a human Weeble, call Livingston Chiropractic at 440-528-005 #1 to schedule a visit with Dr. Livingston. He’ll check your posture, look for misalignments, and give you practical advice to help you walk tall. “Staying upright is one of life’s most underrated victories.”