As we get older, it can become harder to move around as freely as we once did. Tasks that once upon a time seemed so easy and quick, can take longer and take more effort. They say there’s no fun in growing old, but this isn’t the case if you can manage ongoing health and mobility problems effectively.
One of the rather unpleasant side effects of age is the risk of falling. Statistics have shown a huge relationship between increasing age, and increasing risk of falls. The British Geriatrics Society published a study in 2010 which highlighted some worrying facts – this showed that out of 320,000 people, around 15,500 of these will experience a fall in a year, and out of those sustaining a fracture of the hip, the most common kind, 360 of these will be potentially life-threatening.
Statistics like these should not be ignored, and therefore it’s important to identify and decrease risk factors, which in turn should decrease risk.
The mind is a complex thing, and because everyone is aware of these statistics, the fear of actually falling and sustaining an injury can take over, and surprisingly can actually increase risk because of the behaviour you put into place to try and protect yourself. For example, an elderly person worried about falling might simply decide not to go out, because then they think they won’t put themselves at risk. What does this do? Staying in and not socialising affects independence, confidence, and cognitive function, which in turn, actually increases the possibility of a fall in the house.
With this in mind, it’s important to try and treat the risk factors of a fall, which could then reduce the likelihood of it happening. What are the risk factors? Well, for the elderly the risk factors fall into quite common categories – musculoskeletal problems which cause issues with movement, declining eyesight, dizziness caused by vertigo or side effects from medication, postural hypotension, and balance disorders.
Treating balance, gait, and musculoskeletal disorders could be the ideal way to cut the risk of a fall and its resulting health issues, and chiropractic offers a holistic and successful way to do just that.
Manual manipulation of the spine and surrounding structures can correct misalignments which can lead to mobility problems and pain. All too often, medical professionals will turn to medications to treat pain, however this is only masking the problem, and the side effects of the medications could increase dizziness and … you know where I’m going with this … actually cause a fall.
Chiropractic works with your body and can help to improve balance and mobility, which as a result could lead to a reduction in medications. Reducing risk could be all it takes to lower the chances of that fall happening, increase confidence and independence, and put a smile on more faces as a result
If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, call the practice now on 03 9095 7990 to arrange an appointment,and discuss your needs and requirements.
