Can middle back pain cause poor balance and dizziness?

Back injuries, disorders and conditions sometimes cause more than pain. They can also cause poor balance and interfere with your daily activities. 

What causes poor balance?

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. 

Middle back injuries and conditions that affect with your sense of balance include:

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Compression fractures
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylosis 

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 middle 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. Some insurances do require pre-requisition before imaging can be ordered. Please discuss your options with your provider.