Preventing Falls Through Chiropractic Care

By Brandi Swieter

Older adults tend to struggle with mobility, finding it more and more difficult to make it from one room to the next without stumbling. For this reason, seniors have a high fall rate that can lead to broken bones, hips, and worse. Chiropractic care is one way people can help prevent falls from happening as it works to strengthen the body.

Improving Posture

Too many seniors experience poor posture due to being immobile. They tend to lay down a lot and slouch as they sit. Poor posture is one of the main culprits of falls. People often go to stand up from a slumped position and fall because of their aching back. A chiropractor can help to straighten the spine and improve posture so this is no longer a worry. Older adults who have a slouching problem will have to learn to adjust so their bodies do not go right back to how they were.

Pain Relief

Some people struggle to walk because of medications they take. Their pain is too great so they need medicine to help decrease it. They may find themselves stumbling easier and feel off balance because of the way certain medications interact with brain chemistry. Getting chiropractic care can offer some pain relief that leaves people without the need for medication. This means less falls since there is nothing to alter the brain or ballance.

Exercise Guidance

Chiropractors often offer guidance on exercises that can help improve pain or posture. After teaching these exercises to seniors, older adults should be able to handle them at home alone. With improved posture and more strength, seniors are bound to experience far less falls than they previously would have.

Helpful Tips

A chiropractor may also have some helpful tips that will allow seniors to make adjustments that will prevent falls, such as adding non-slip mats to particular areas of the home, especially in the bathtub. Getting rid of rugs is another, as many people tend to trip on the corners of these. Using a raised toilet or placing grab bars on either side of it may also help, as people can get up easier without falling back down.

Preventing falls should be a priority for any older adults with limited mobility. Falls can be extremely dangerous if people aren’t careful, leading to broken bones and even head injuries from the impact. Chiropractic care will help people improve their posture and mobility.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salem, N.H.

Story Link