Chiropractic Decreases the Risk of Falls Among the Elderly

For those over the age of 65, the leading cause of death are injuries that result from a fall. Each year, it is estimated that 1 out of 3 elderly people suffer from a fall, with at least of quarter of these leading to a serious injury. Falls among the elderly not only alter their way of life, but can also affect family members as well. Long hospitals stays or even a move to an assisted living facility after a major fall can be devastating for everyone. Fortunately, chiropractic has been shown to decrease the risk of falls in the elderly, and Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman would love to help you and your family.

What Causes a Fall?

Falls can occur in the elderly for a variety of reasons, some pertaining to health issues and others pertaining simply to their age and mobility. One of the main reasons the elderly experience a fall is due to lack of balance. Poor posture can be a leading cause of improper balance as it can affect how the elderly stand and walk. Without the proper posture and balance, people must overcompensate, often leading to instability and increased risk of falling. Additionally, muscle strength and function decrease and atrophy with age due to lack of blood flow and use. While general dizziness often causes falls, vertigo can also be a reason for dizziness. No matter what the type of dizziness, it often puts the elderly at a higher risk of falling and being injured. Musculoskeletal pain is common among those over 65 and is at the top of the list of reasons why an elderly person may suffer from a fall. Pain when walking can cause an elderly individual to not only have a fear of falling, but to actually experience a fall. The pain associated with old age, the fear of falling, and the likelihood of falling can be managed with chiropractic care, giving those over 65 more confidence when walking and an overall healthier body and improved quality of life.

Long-Term Results of a Significant Fall

Those who suffer a serious fall can experience long-term results that could be life changing. In addition to the physical pain of a fall, injuries from a fall may lead to hospitalization or surgery. Sometimes, mobility and function after a fall just don’t return fully which can lead to decreased independence and a reliance on others for simple things they once could do on their own. Knowing this, the elderly often experience a physiological fear of falling. Thinking that life the way you know it could change in one instance can significantly affect your quality of life, and the fear of falling has actually been shown to increase the likelihood of falling. Before risking long-term injuries from a fall that could be life altering, seek chiropractic care from Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Fortunately, chiropractic care has been known to reduce falls among the elderly. Spinal health has many benefits for both the young and old. Adjustments from a Franklin chiropractor will restore spinal alignment thus improving proper posture and overall balance. This directly decreases the risk of falls. Vertigo, an inner ear problem, has been known to cause dizziness that leads to falls. Chiropractic can also reduce instances of vertigo and dizziness. Not only that, but chiropractic adjustments will restore proper blood flow to muscles, reducing atrophy. Spinal misalignments contribute to improper blood flow, so removing the misalignment is sure to get the blood flowing properly and increase muscle function so that those over 65 years of age can feel in control of their movements once again. Not only will consistent chiropractic adjustments improve blood flow, but they will also decrease musculoskeletal pain so that the elderly can walk without fear of falling once again.

If you or someone you know has experienced a fall or is living with a fear of falling, don’t think that it’s hopeless. Contact Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman of Unity Chiropractic to see how consistent adjustments can improve your confidence and decrease your risk of falling.

Sources

Dougherty, P.E., Hawk, C., Weiner, D.K., Gleberzon, B., Andrew, K., Killinger, L. “The Role of

Chiropractic Care in Older Adults.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2012; 20: 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306193/.

Kendall, J.C., Hartvigsen, J., French, S.D., Azari, M.F. “Is There a Role for Neck Manipulation in Elderly Falls Prevention?” – An overview.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2015 March; 59(1): 53-63. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319454/.

Lee, A., Lee, K., Khang, P. “Preventing Falls in the Geriatric Population.” The Permanente Journal, 2013 Fall; 17(4): 37-39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3854807/#.