Falls are a common occurrence that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Whether it’s a slip on an icy sidewalk, a misstep on stairs, or a tumble during a sports activity, falls can lead to a range of injuries and health complications.
While some may brush off a fall as a minor incident, the impact on your body can be more significant than you might realize—especially for older adults. Yet, chiropractic care can help you regain your balance and alignment post-fall, ensuring pain doesn’t linger. So, let’s explore common injuries that may occur due to falls or slips and how chiropractic care can help!
Common Injuries from Falls
Falls can result in various injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Sprains and strains: Ligaments and muscles can be stretched or torn during a fall.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the wrist, hip, and ankle, are frequent fall-related injuries.
- Back and neck injuries: The spine can be affected, leading to misalignments, herniated discs, or whiplash-like symptoms.
- Shoulder injuries: Rotator cuff tears or shoulder dislocations can occur when trying to break a fall.
- Knee injuries: Twisting or direct impact can damage ligaments or cartilage in the knee.
- Head injuries: Concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries can result from falls.
- Cuts and bruises: While often less severe, these can be painful and take time to heal.
It’s important to note that for older adults, falls can be particularly dangerous and can mark the beginning of a decline in overall health. Falls in the elderly are associated with increased risk of hospitalization, loss of independence, and in some cases, can lead to life-threatening complications. Thus, prevention is key, which is something chiropractic care can also help with!
How Can Chiropractic Care Help
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to recovery after a fall, addressing not just the immediate symptoms but also underlying issues that may have contributed to the fall or that may arise as a result of it.
The first step in chiropractic care after a fall is a thorough assessment. This evaluation goes beyond just looking at the obvious areas of pain or injury. A chiropractor will:
- Conduct a detailed medical history review to understand any pre-existing conditions or previous injuries that might affect your recovery.
- Perform a physical examination, checking your range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological function.
- Use diagnostic tools like X-rays or MRI scans if necessary to get a clear picture of any structural damage.
- Assess your balance, coordination, and gait to identify any issues that may increase your risk of future falls.
This comprehensive approach allows your chiropractor to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and injuries. From here, your chiropractor will address the issues or areas of weakness, helping you get back to feeling your best.
Oftentimes, one of the main causes and consequences of falls is misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations. These misalignments can lead to:
- Pain and stiffness in the back, neck, or other areas of the body.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Interference with nerve function, which can affect various bodily systems.
- Poor posture, which can lead to further complications over time.
Through precise adjustments, chiropractors can correct these misalignments, which often allows your body to move more efficiently and even enhances balance and coordination.
Whether you want to address your current pain or wish to prevent it, your Lithia chiropractor can help you gain back control of your health (and life!). With the At Last Chiropractic team, you can begin to make strides forward, recovering from a recent fall or preventing future ones from happening. Book your appointment today!
