Menu Spine Care Lower Back Understanding Your Lumbar and Sacral Spine Compression Fracture Degenerative Disc Disease Herniated Disc in Low Back Low Back Injuries and Sudden Weakness Low Back Pain and Balance Lumbar Back Surgery Lumbar Stenosis Muscular Problems in Low Back Sacroiliac Joint Pain Spine Osteoarthritis Spondylolisthesis Low Back Pain and Poor Balance Trouble balancing can be an alarming and surprising symptom of a low back injury or condition. Discover how chronic back pain can affect your balance. Why do low back injuries cause balance issues? The spine is a complex structure that includes vertebra, discs, tendons, ligaments and nerves. The nerves that run along your spine send signals out to the rest of your body to control movement. When vertebra or discs push against those nerves, it can interfere with your body’s movements – including your ability to balance. Low back injuries and conditions that affect with your sense of balance include: Compression fractures Degenerative disc disease Lumbar herniated disc Lumbar stenosis Spine osteoarthritis Sacroiliac joint pain What are symptoms of poor balance? Poor balance doesn’t just mean you have a difficult time standing up straight. Other symptoms of poor balance caused by low back conditions includes: Dizziness Difficulty walking Trouble climbing stairs Difficulty standing during daily activities, such as brushing teeth or doing the dishes Diagnosing and treating poor balance Your doctor will complete a thorough evaluation to ensure more serious conditions, such as stroke, aren’t causing your poor balance. Your provider will update your family and medical history and examine your spine and joints. Imaging tests may also be ordered to identify the cause of your symptoms. This may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-rays or other specialized tests. Contact Us If you are in need of surgery, our experienced affiliated surgeons will map out a plan that’s tailored to your health history, condition and symptoms. MEET OUR SURGEONS