Musculoskeletal Pain Influences Balance.

For older adults, falling down can result in a serious injury that can dramatically reduce their mobility and independence. In this study, researchers measured pain intensity, postural sway, and concerns about falling in 48 seniors with either neck or low back pain. The research team found that intense neck pain paired with limited neck mobility led to significant changes in postural balance, while intense low back pain significantly increased the fear of falling down.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, December 2017