Nurturing Balance: Insights from the Vestibular Workshop

Dr Woon Jee Tio and Dr Scott Ling recently attended a 2 day neuroscience workshop. Located in Melbourne, the workshop focused on the vestibular system.

Dr Danielle Gregory and Dr Paul Noone conducted the workshop. As Chiropractors they have a special interest in neuroscience and the vestibular system.

(Dr Ling, Dr Gregory and Dr Tio at the Melbourne Vestibular Workshop)

The course highlights the importance of understanding the vestibular system... and the inner ear imbalance treatment.In particular common conditions or symptoms presented to us in our clinical practice.These include:

• balance issues
• vertigo
• headaches
• neck pain
• anxiety and so on

The course included the latest clinical research and best practices for the vestibular system.... including vestibular testing, management and rehabilitation.

Vestibular Definition

The medical definition of vestibular is:

‍Vestibular:

1. Having to do with a structure that is a vestibule (entrance), such as the vestibule of the ear.
2. Having to do with the body's system for maintaining equilibrium.

VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY (VRT)

Evidence (1,2) has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving vestibular disorders...  and symptoms related to the inner ear/balance.People with vestibular disorders often experience problems with:

• vertigo
• dizziness
• visual disturbance
• and/or imbalance

Other problems can also arise that are secondary to vestibular disorders, such as:

• nausea and/or vomiting
• reduced ability to focus or concentrate
• and fatigue

Symptoms due to vestibular disorders can diminish quality of life. A huge impact on all aspects of daily living. They also contribute to emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.Avoiding bringing on, or worsening, dizziness and imbalance has a secondary effect. It causes people to adopt a sedentry lifestyle. This in turn causes:

• decreased muscle strength and flexibility
• increased joint stiffness
• and reduced stamina

Home Exercises

Home exercises are often a vital part of the treatment. An individualised treatment plan can be designed with appropriate exercises. These exercises are to be performed at a prescribed pace.Low impact aerobics, walking programs or Tai Chi are popular choices. Tai Chi supports both general fitness and balance-strengthening.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic for Balance Problems

Although different, chiropractic and acupuncture play their unique part in tackling vestibular issues.  Both medicines work very well in combination with the nervous system.Dr Ling and Dr Tio continue to use acupuncture and chiropractic, side by side in the clinic. They have both developed a special interest in neuroscience, respectively.In the last 10 years they have worked together to resolve  many difficult cases. Often their patients considered them their last resort for medical help.They look forward to applying their latest training and knowledge in the clinic... and continue with their successful patient outcomes.