One of the biggest risks of injury as we enter our golden years is falling. After the age of 65, the risk of falling rises significantly. In fact, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year and about 25% of them experience serious injuries due to a fall. The statistics related to older adults falling can be scary in and of themselves. Not only does the older population have to worry about serious injuries, surgeries, and hospital stays from falling, but they also experience a psychological fear of falling because of an increased awareness of the risks. But the fear of falling doesn’t have to consume you. An experienced Lithia Springs chiropractor can give the elderly back their confidence in their ability to function well and avoid falls through regular chiropractic care.
What Contributes to Increased Falls as We Age?
As we get older, our bodies experience significant wear and tear. The musculoskeletal system may not function as it once did. The elderly population also deal other types of pain that can affect their ability to walk and get around easily. Additionally, poor spinal alignment can also lead to balance problems that causes unsteadiness when moving or standing. Vertigo is another issue that many elderly people face. Problems with the inner ear can cause dizziness that can lead to a higher risk of falling. Over time, aging causes muscles to atrophy and blood flow to decrease. Weakened muscles can decrease function, causing stiffness and making walking difficult. Any number or combination of these health concerns will only increase a person’s chances of falling and therefore increase the risk of injury. Thankfully, regular chiropractic care from a Lithia Springs chiropractor can address all these concerns to improve strength and mobility.
Turn to Chiropractic for Improved Health
Taking care of your body is a great way to keep up mobility and function. One of the best ways to improve health is through neurologically-based chiropractic care. Lithia Springs chiropractor Dr. Ronnie Bolar can help patients increase their mobility, improve their balance, and feel better overall through regular chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care will improve posture, which will in turn improve balance to make you more confident in your movements. Additionally, proper spinal alignment will improve musculoskeletal function to increase range of motion, joint health, and ease of movement. It will also increase blood flow to reduce muscle atrophy for stronger muscle function and more control. Inner ear problems that can cause vertigo and dizziness can also be corrected through chiropractic care. The amazing benefits of chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial for all ages but are especially beneficial for helping the elderly regain mobility and have confidence in their ability to get around once again.
If a fear of falling has you worried, consider chiropractic care. Dr. Ronnie Bolar of Vital Life Chiropractic wants to help reduce your chances of falling as you age. Contact his office today to schedule an appointment.
Sources
Dougherty, P.E., Hawk, C., Weiner, D.K., Gleberzon, B., Andrew, K., Killinger, L. “The Role of Chiropractic Care in Older Adults.” Journal of 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/#.