Living with Ataxia isn’t one big dramatic moment. Most days, it’s a collection of small adjustments that help me stay steady, safe, and able to move through the day without unnecessary stress.
I’ve never been someone who uses a lot of gadgets or gear. If you asked me a few years ago what tools I relied on, I probably would’ve said “none.” That wasn’t really true. I was using things, I just didn’t think of them as tools. They were small additions to my routine that made daily life smoother and a little more predictable.
This isn’t an official list or a medical guide. This is simply what helps me, plus a few things people in the Ataxia community often talk about. If one of these makes your day easier, then sharing it is worth it.
Support and Recovery: How I Keep My Back From Tightening When I Move Differently
One thing people don’t think about is how much your back works when your balance is off. Even on “good” days, my core and back muscles are doing double duty to keep me upright. Sometimes I feel it immediately. Sometimes it hits me at night when everything finally relaxes.
On top of that, I also deal with ankylosing spondylitis, which means my back has its own set of rules. When your balance is already working overtime, tightness from AS shows up faster and hits harder.
Two things help more than anything else: a little support when I’m on my feet and warmth when everything tightens.
The back brace
I use a lightweight brace on days when my posture feels off or my lower back starts grabbing. It gives me enough support to move confidently without feeling locked up. I don’t wear it every day, just when I know my back needs help.
Mine is older, but this is the closest match I’ve found, and a lot of people seem to like it.
The full-back heating pad
Heat is a game-changer at the end of a long day. A full-back pad loosens everything that tightens from compensating for balance all day long. Lower back, mid-back, shoulders — everything finally lets go.
I do try not to keep the heat on for too long. It feels great in the moment, but staying on a heating pad too long isn’t the healthiest choice. Some days I even alternate heat and ice, depending on what my body needs. Everyone’s different, so it’s really about finding what works for you.
It helps me rest better and move better the next morning.
I don’t consider either of these tools “fixes.” They just make life easier. And sometimes that’s enough.
The Water Bottle I Use Every Day
Hydration affects my balance more than I expected. If I’m even a little dehydrated, I feel it — slower reactions, heavier steps, a little more wobble.
For years, I used whatever bottle I had lying around. Most were either too narrow to grip, too easy to knock over, or just annoying to carry. When I created the InspireThread water bottle, I picked a design with the features I actually needed: a stable base, a solid handle, a no-leak straw, and something lightweight enough for everyday use.
I use it daily because it works for me. Not because it has my logo on it, although that’s a nice bonus.
Here’s the bottle: InspireThread Shop
At-Home Balance Tools (What’s Recommended vs. What I Actually Use)
My PT has me on a specific plan right now, and most of it doesn’t involve equipment. It’s slow movement, weight shifting, core work, and building trust in my own body. I do currently use the bands.
But I still want to talk about the tools people often ask about, because they can be useful, depending on your plan.
Balance pads
These come up all the time. Balance pads can help with ankle strength and stability, but they’re not for everyone. They can feel unstable, especially if your symptoms change from day to day. If you decide to try one, make sure your PT recommends it and that you use it safely.
Some people in the community love them. Some don’t. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This one has great reviews and is similar to the ones often recommended:
Resistance bands
Bands are easier, safer, and more flexible. My PT uses band resistance exercises because they build the muscles that keep me upright (core, hips, back) without throwing me off balance.
They’re affordable, portable, and great for building strength at your own pace.
Most of my progress comes from simple consistency. Just keep showing up and keep trying.
The Small Lighting Changes That Make Moving Safer
Lighting isn’t something I used to pay attention to, but it makes a real difference. Not everyone can control their fixtures or redesign their home, especially if you’re renting. But there are small changes that make nighttime movement safer and more predictable.
Night lights
A soft night light in the hallway or bathroom helps with depth perception and makes it easier to see the floor. It’s simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.
Smart bulbs or lamps
I added a couple of lamps and swapped a few bulbs to warmer tones. Suddenly, it felt easier to move around the room. No harsh overhead lights, no deep shadows. Smart bulbs also help because I can turn lights on without reaching or shifting my balance too much.
Example of a floor lamp: https://amzn.to/49UKP5N
Example of smart bulbs: https://amzn.to/48fnQ44
These changes aren’t dramatic, but they help. And they’re realistic for almost anyone, no matter where you live.
Closing Thoughts
Living with Ataxia looks a little different for all of us. What helps one person might not help another, and that’s completely normal. I’m not sharing these as “must-haves” or anything official. These are just the small things that make my days a little easier, a little safer, and a little less stressful.
If something here helps you, I’m glad. And if not, that’s okay. We all figure out our own routines and ways of moving through the world. Take what fits and leave the rest.
You can find more articles about Ataxia and Rare Conditions here: Join the Blog Community.
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Michael
You are so naturally modest that you probably don’t think what you’re doing is remarkable – but I do! Your post got me asking some questions about your lifestyle that would be great to know:
1. How many days per week do you have your PT?
2. Is your PT a physical therapist or a personal trainer?
3. Do you do solo workouts each day?
4. What’s your experience with trekking poles?
5. Do you use a cane or a walking stick?
6. Do you do workouts barefoot to strengthen your feet and improve balance?
7. What type of footwear do you find helps your balance?
Thank you, that means alot! And your questions:
1. How many days per week do you have your PT? I usually go to PT once a week. And take breaks throughout the year when I do the gym and home exercises.
2. Is your PT a physical therapist or a personal trainer? She is a Neuro PT and also helps me with my training/home programs.
3. Do you do solo workouts each day? Yes, some days are better than others, and I adjust accordingly.
4. What’s your experience with trekking poles? I haven’t yet used them together on walks, but I do use them as a walking stick, depending on the situation.
5. Do you use a cane or a walking stick? Walking stick – I feel like a cane will not help me as much since I am tall.
6. Do you do workouts barefoot to strengthen your feet and improve balance? Not much anymore, but I might look into that
7. What type of footwear do you find helps your balance? I wrote an article about the shoes PT recommended (https://michaelmantz.com/right-shoes-can-make-all-the-difference-for-mobility-issues/). I really like the New Balance shoes for training/exercise.