Balance issues greatly affect the elderly population. These individuals suffer from a variety of problems that can lead to instability and falls. Unfortunately, when older people suffer falls, they can sustain devastating injuries, such as hip fractures, which can lead to a tragic end.
For this reason, everyone, of every age, should be certain to keep their balance and stability at optimal levels throughout life. There are a few key methods that people can use to increase their balance and stability, one of which is chiropractic care.
Why Do Older People Fall?
As we get older there are a number of changes that take place in the body. Some of these changes are good and desirable changes. However, many of them are not desirable and they can lead to further issues.
For instance, as we age, we start to lose muscle mass through a natural process known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia naturally makes us weaker, and it continues to do so as it affects us more and more over the years.
Additionally, many older people experience conditions known as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a process in which the bones become weaker as we age. If left untreated, osteopenia can lead to a very serious bone loss condition known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones actually become porous, or develop small holes throughout their length.
Last but not least, older people tend to lose visual and vestibular acuity. These are two of the main balance systems in the body, and they can both lose function with age.
What Injuries Occur After a Fall?
There are a number of injuries that can occur after a fall, some of which are very serious, and some of which are relatively minor.
For instance, older people may suffer any or all of the following after a fall:
- Bumps and bruises.
- Broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
Of course, there are tons of other injuries which also might occur in response to a fall in an older person. As you might imagine, if a fall can be prevented, that is always preferable to treating the fall after the fact.
How to Prevent a Fall
As is always the case: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This means that if you can stop an issue from developing in the first place, do so. Next, let’s take a look at some of the best fall prevention strategies.
Specific Balance Training
There are many exercises that can specifically improve your balance. For instance, simply balancing on one leg for a few minutes a day can vastly improve balance capabilities.
Furthermore, walking with a narrow gait, balancing on unstable surfaces, and even dancing can really help to keep you stable.
Strengthening Exercise
Keeping the muscles and joints strong can do wonders for your balance. A high level of muscle strength is one of the best ways to counteract the effects of aging on our bodies. Strong muscles allow us to respond to losses of balance by pushing us back upright when we start to fall.
Truly, all strengthening exercises are helpful for balance. However, the best choices are those in which the exerciser is in a standing position. Squats, deadlifts, and lunges are great options for strengthening the muscles and the balance system as a whole.
Chiropractic Care
Your chiropractor can help you attain better balance through the use of spinal adjustments. These treatments correct any misalignments and problems in the spine. This, in turn, leads to better health throughout the body, including in the balance systems.
If you are looking for ways to prevent and recover from falls, chiropractic care can help you. Come see us at Awaken Chiropractic, your go-to Parker chiropractor, today! Book your appointment now.
