By Dr Danica Newbold, B.HSci (Chiro), M.ClinChiro, Ad.Dip Myo. Certified Cox® Technic Chiropractor and Myotherapist.
Fall injuries are common, particularly among those over the age of 65. Falls are now considered the leading cause of unintentional injury and death in this demographic. Approximately one-third of those aged 65 and older will experience a fall each year(1), so preventing falls is something you should prioritise. Your Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic have established expertise in this area and can help you.
Falls prevention interventions are based on identifying key risk factors and modifying or managing them for those deemed at risk of falls and fall injuries. The risk factors include:
- Impaired mental status
- Pharmacological factors
- Environmental hazards, i.e., trip hazards such as stairs, uneven floors, and rugs or floor coverings
- Diminished or low vision
- Lower extremity weakness and/or dysfunction, and
- Impaired balance, gait or activities of daily living.
In 2010, a systematic review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that physical therapy, nutritional supplementation, physical activity and exercise can improve gait, balance, and function, reducing the risk of falls (2).
Chiropractors are highly trained Allied Health Practitioners who can manage various musculoskeletal conditions and help patients navigate their changing lifestyles as they age. The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic are particularly interested in preventing fall-related injuries in our patients. Pain-related musculoskeletal disability may influence a person’s balance, gait and ability to accomplish regular activities of daily living and, therefore, may contribute to fall risks (1). Considerable research has been done on the positive effects of Chiropractic spinal manipulation on spine-related pain (3). Chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, etc., can affect gait patterns and balance in older adults. Chiropractic care, such as Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy, can alleviate the pain and restrictions associated with these conditions and, therefore, may impact falls prevention. Research has also found that Chiropractic spinal manipulation may positively impact certain types of vertigo. While some research is currently limited, there is promising evidence that manual therapies may benefit cervicogenic vertigo (characterised by dizziness and neck pain) (1), a condition often associated with poor balance.
Chiropractors regularly use physical activity and exercise as part of their rehabilitation programs for patients, and older patients are no exception. The loss of muscle strength has been identified as a physiologically limiting factor to living independently for older persons (1). Recent reviews have shown that aerobic exercise and strength training positively affect strength, balance and physical functioning (4). The Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic will prescribe condition-specific stretches and strengthening exercises for their patients. A thorough assessment of key risk factors is conducted for falls-risk patients before prescribing exercises to improve balance, coordination, strength and stability. In February 2024, we will start a range of small-group, practitioner-led exercise classes, including one for older adults looking for easy, low-impact exercises to prevent falls. See below for further information about these classes.
Falls prevention knowledge is empowering and is available now; it could be life-changing. If you or someone you know is older and at risk of falls and fall injuries, please see our amazing Chiropractors and get assessed TODAY!
REFERENCES:
- Dougherty, P.E., Hawk, C. et al. The role of chiropractic care in older adults. CMT 2012.
- Michael, YL., Whitlock, EP., Lin, JS., Fu, R., O’Connor, EA., Gold, R., Primary care-relevant interventions to prevent falling in older adults: a systematic evidence review for the US Preventative Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med 2010, 153:815-825.
- Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leiniger, B., Triano, J. Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropr Osteopat 2010, 18:3.
- Mangione, KK., Miller, AH., Naughton, IV., Cochrane review: Improving physical function and performance with progressive resistance strength training in older adults. Phys Ther 2010, 90:1711-1715.
- US Census Bureau. An older and more diverse population by mid-century. Book an Older and More Diverse Population by Mid-Century, City 2008.