How Traumatic Brain Injuries Affect Posture and Balance: Causes, Effects, and Chiropractic Solutions

 

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, happen when a sudden blow or jolt to the head damages the brain. These injuries can range from mild, like a concussion, to severe, which might cause long-term problems or even death. One key way TBIs impact the body is by changing posture and balance. “Posture” refers to the way we hold our bodies when standing, sitting, or moving. Balance helps us stay steady without falling. When the brain is injured, it can disrupt these basic functions. These disruptions can lead to ongoing issues with maintaining balance or, in severe cases, abnormal body positions that the person can’t control. In this article, we’ll look at how TBIs cause these changes, what they look like, and how treatments like chiropractic care can help. We’ll also share insights from experts, including Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who uses special methods to aid recovery.

TBIs are common. They can come from falls, car crashes, sports, or fights. Each year, millions of people experience them, and the costs accumulate to billions in medical bills (Viano et al., 2018). Even mild ones can linger, affecting daily life. Understanding these effects is crucial for receiving the right help at an early stage.

Understanding Posture and Balance

Posture and balance work together to keep us moving safely. Posture involves the muscles, bones, and nerves that maintain the body’s position and alignment. Correct posture means that the spine is aligned and weight is evenly distributed. Balance is the ability to stay steady, whether sitting, standing, or walking. It depends on signals from the eyes (visual), inner ears (vestibular), and body sensors (sensory) that tell the brain our location in space.

The brain acts like a control center. It takes information from these systems and sends orders to the muscles to adjust. For example, if you step on uneven ground, your brain quickly fixes your stance to avoid a fall. When everything works, we don’t contemplate it. But a TBI can break this system, leading to wobbles, leans, or rigid poses.

Balance problems hit 30% to 65% of people after a brain injury (Brain Injury Canada, n.d.). This makes simple tasks, such as walking or sitting straight, difficult. Poor balance raises the risk of more falls, which could cause another TBI. Posture changes might show as slouching, leaning to one side, or stiff limbs. These aren’t just a result of weak muscles; they’re often caused by misfiring brain signals.

Studies show that factors like age, injury severity, and other health issues play a role in balance after TBI. Younger individuals under 50 tend to recover more quickly in sitting and standing positions (Brain Injury Association of America, n.d.). However, even with help, many individuals still face long-term challenges.

How Mild TBIs Impair Posture and Balance

Mild TBIs, like concussions, don’t always knock you out, but they can shake up the brain enough to cause lasting issues. A significant issue is persistent balance impairments. These can last weeks, months, or even years after the injury.

In mild cases, the brain’s ability to process sensory info goes off track. For instance, the vestibular system in the inner ear plays a role in orientation. If damaged, it can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation, making balance difficult (Brain Injury Canada, n.d.). Visual functions might blur, so you can’t judge distances well. Sensory inputs from joints and muscles could weaken, leaving the body unsure of its position.

Research shows that people with a history of mild TBI have subtle changes in how they sway when standing. They might not fall often, but their posture isn’t as steady. A study found that these individuals exhibit more irregular movements in the front-to-back direction during challenging balance tasks (Sosnoff et al., 2011). This means the brain isn’t adapting well to challenges, like standing on a moving surface.

These impairments can lead to spinal misalignment, especially in the neck and upper back. The force from the injury might jar the spine out of place, causing headaches, dizziness, and poor posture. Over time, this misalignment stresses the nerves, exacerbating symptoms (Northwest Florida Physicians Group, n.d.). People might lean forward or to one side without noticing, which can increase their risk of falling.

Extended effects include fatigue from constantly trying to stay balanced. Daily activities, such as shopping or working, can become physically and mentally exhausting. But with early care, many improve. Tests like the Sensory Organization Test assess how well sensory systems work together after TBI (Sosnoff et al., 2011).

Severe TBIs and Abnormal Posturing

Severe TBIs are more dangerous. They can cause coma or deep unconsciousness, where the person doesn’t respond to sounds or touch. Here, posture changes become extreme, manifesting as rigid, involuntary positions known as abnormal posturing.

The two main types are decorticate and decerebrate posturing. Decorticate posturing occurs when the arms bend inward toward the chest, with clenched fists, and the legs are straight. It looks like the body is pulling in (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). This often indicates damage to the cerebral cortex or thalamus, areas responsible for thinking and signal relay.

Decerebrate posturing is worse. Arms and legs stretch straight out, with the head arched back and toes pointed down. Muscles are tight and rigid (UF Health, n.d.). It signals deeper brain damage, like in the brainstem, which controls basic life functions.

Both types are reflexes from brain disruption. They might happen on one side or both, or switch between types (Mount Sinai, n.d.). (Mount Sinai, n.d.). Causes include head trauma, strokes, or infections, but TBIs are common triggers (Flint Rehab, n.d.).

These postures need immediate medical help. Without it, risks include permanent damage or death. Doctors use the Glasgow Coma Scale to assess the severity of a patient’s condition (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). Treatment starts with stabilizing breathing, often with machines.

Recovery is tough. Only about 10% survive with decerebrate posturing and 37% with decorticate posturing. Younger individuals who receive help promptly have better chances (Flint Rehab, n.d.). Posturing might last days or weeks in survivors.

Causes of Posture Changes in TBIs

TBIs primarily alter posture by impairing brain functions related to balance and coordination. The brain relies on sensory, visual, and vestibular inputs. Damage here confuses signals, leading to imbalance.

Sensory impairments mean the body can’t feel positions well. This causes weakness or paralysis on one side (hemiparesis), stiff muscles (spasticity), or floppy limbs (hypotonia) (Brain Injury Canada, n.d.). Visual problems blur sight, making it challenging to stay oriented. Vestibular damage causes dizziness, as the inner ear is unable to track motion.

Spinal misalignment is another cause. TBIs often come with whiplash, shifting the neck and upper spine. This pinches nerves, worsening headaches and dizziness (Think Vida, n.d.). Misalignments block the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby slowing the healing process (Pinnacle Health Chiro, n.d.).

In severe cases, brainstem damage triggers posturing by cutting off normal reflexes. Other factors, such as age, infections, or prior health issues, can exacerbate it (Brain Injury Association of America, n.d.).

Musculoskeletal pain also persists, often resulting from poor posture or overuse of the limbs (Viano et al., 2018). This creates a cycle of pain and imbalance.

Chiropractic Integrated Care for TBIs

Chiropractic care helps resolve these issues without drugs or surgery. It focuses on the spine and nerves, which connect to the brain.

Spinal adjustments correct misalignments, especially in the neck and upper back. This improves nerve signals, boosts blood flow, and facilitates the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (Northwest Florida Physicians Group, n.d.). (Northwest Florida Physicians Group, n.d.). Better flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach the brain, which speeds healing and reduces dizziness.

For mild TBIs, it eases headaches and neck pain from whiplash. Adjustments reduce inflammation and restore balance (Impact Medical Group, 2024). Sensory and motor therapies are added in. These include balance exercises, strength training, and coordination drills to rebuild brain-body links (HML Functional Care, n.d.).

Chiropractic neurology utilizes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Adjustments can boost brain function by 20% in one session (HML Functional Care, n.d.). It integrates with other care, like nutrition for anti-inflammatory diets or stress management (Think Vida, n.d.).

In hospitals, chiropractors treat pain and stiffness using gentle methods, even for individuals who use wheelchairs (Viano et al., 2018). Six ways it helps: restoring CSF flow, correcting neck alignment, balancing nerves, addressing muscle issues, providing holistic care, and improving circulation (Pinnacle Health Chiro, n.d.).

Insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor and nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, shares helpful insights regarding TBIs. He runs a clinic in El Paso, Texas, focusing on integrative care (Jimenez, n.d.). (Jimenez, n.d.).

He notes that TBIs cause long-term effects, like hidden symptoms that are easy to miss. These include balance loss, pain, and coordination problems. His approach combines chiropractic adjustments with functional medicine to address the root causes of issues, such as inflammation or nerve imbalances.

Dr. Jimenez stresses early intervention. His team utilizes nutrition, exercise, and therapies to restore mobility and improve posture. For example, he treats sciatica and neck pain resulting from TBIs, helping patients regain strength without the need for surgery. He also educates on preventing further injuries through wellness plans.

His work with veterans and athletes shows how integrated care improves outcomes. By addressing spinal issues, he helps promote brain healing and self-regulation, thereby reducing the risk of falls.

Conclusion

TBIs can significantly alter posture and balance, ranging from mild wobbling to rigid posturing. Mild cases bring ongoing impairments due to sensory mix-ups, while severe ones need urgent care for survival. The causes are linked to brain damage and spinal cord abnormalities. Chiropractic care offers hope by realigning the body, enhancing blood flow, and utilizing therapies to restore function. Experts, such as Dr. Jimenez, demonstrate that holistic methods are most effective. If you suspect a TBI, see a doctor right away. Prevention, like wearing helmets, saves lives. With the right help, many recover and live well.

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References

Decerebrate posture by UF Health (n.d.)

Decorticate posturing by Cleveland Clinic (n.d.)

Decorticate posture by Mount Sinai (n.d.)

Decerebrate posture by Mount Sinai (n.d.)

Previous mild traumatic brain injury and postural-control dynamics by Sosnoff, J. J., Broglio, S. P., Shin, A. S., & Ferrara, M. S. (2011)

Factors associated with sitting and standing balance by Brain Injury Association of America (n.d.)

Mobility by Brain Injury Canada (n.d.)

Using chiropractic care to treat traumatic brain injuries by Northwest Florida Physicians Group (n.d.)

Posturing after brain injury by Flint Rehab (n.d.)

Can chiropractic care help with mild traumatic brain injuries? by Impact Medical Group (2024)

Treating concussions with chiropractic care by Think Vida (n.d.)

Using chiropractic care to treat traumatic brain injuries by Northwest Florida Physicians Group (n.d.)

How chiropractic neurology supports brain healing by HML Functional Care (n.d.)

Patients receiving chiropractic care in a neurorehabilitation hospital: A descriptive study by Viano, J. C., Viano, D. C., & King, A. I. (2018)

Six ways chiropractic care supports healing after TBI by Pinnacle Health Chiro (n.d.)

El Paso, TX Doctor of Chiropractic by Jimenez, A. (n.d.)

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN by Jimenez, A. (n.d.)