Chiropractic Tip: Check Balance Skills at 40 and 50
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us link falling to seniors, but Harvard Health reminds us beginning in our 50s that subtle changes can lead to falls. Good balance requires several systems in the body to work smoothly and luck to be in our favor. Here are some potential threats.
- Problems with the inner ear
- Illness
- Medications
- Weight gain or loss
- Pain when walking
- Injuries
- Foot problems
- Changes in vision
- Hurrying too much
- Distractions underfoot such as children or pets
Get Some Good Support
The Joint Chiropractic can help you assess where you are right now, and what you should do next. If you have had a bad fall, or just a narrow escape, now is the time to fix any issues, and take steps to avoid future falls.
When you come in, your chiropractor will assess your overall balance, weight and general health. Talk about any potential issues that you have and review your daily schedule and health history. Together, you, your chiropractor and your doctor can sort out the issues.
Your chiropractor will use a spinal health focus to help you pull everything together. A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may relieve any aches and pains and generate an overall sense of wellness. You may feel more energy, clearer thinking, better sleep, or more relaxation. Benefits are unique to the individual.
As you assess yours, weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may prove to be the perfect way to move ahead, improving your balance and overall health.
Learn More about Your Gait
Your chiropractor can help you assess the way you walk, which can affect your balance.
Harvard Health says gait encompasses
- Length of stride
- Pacing
- Shift of balance from one leg to other
- Swing of leg to put foot forward
- How weight is distributed through the step
- How the foot comes down, toe first or heel first
Your weight is as individual as your fingerprints or voice, and small changes can increase the risk of falls. Often gait changes with age. In contrast, people in their 70s lose 10 to 20 percent of their length of stride and speed compared to healthy people in their 20s. As we age we may bend forward or use less force when we step.
When you are ready to protect your balance and health, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the need for insurance. Weekend and evening hours simplify visits. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.