Falls can be devastating at any age, but they are particularly problematic for older individuals. 

Therefore, we need to take steps to reduce the chances of suffering a fall, no matter what stage of life we are in.

Chiropractic care is a unique solution to the problem of falls. In this post, we’ll dive into the topic of falls and demonstrate how chiropractic care can help with this serious issue.

Why are Falls so Serious?

For most young, strong people, fall injuries are not much of a concern. After all, many of us slip and fall on the sidewalk, and the worst injury we’ll suffer is a bruise or a scrape.

But in the elderly population, falls can frequently signal the beginning of a tragic end. This is due to the many changes that take place in the aging body.

Older Bodies Tend to Be Frailer

When we’re young, our bones, muscles, and other tissues are strong and growing in size and density. However, once we reach a certain age, our bones begin to decline in strength, our muscle mass begins to decrease, and tons of other unfortunate bodily changes occur as well. 

One area that is of serious concern in the aging adult is the hip joint. Falls tend to put tremendous stress on the hip joint, and femur fractures are common after falls. The recovery from this injury is extensive, and while the patient is recovering in bed, they lose more and more muscle mass. This frequently leads to the patient declining and eventually passing away.

Even though falls are common and tragic in this population, there are a number of easy ways to bulletproof your hips, improve your balance, and avoid falls, no matter what age you are!

Methods to Reduce Falls

Below, we’ll review a few of the key strategies for reducing falls for people of all ages. 

Increase Strength

Stronger bodies are more resilient. This sentiment is true for all systems and with regard to all diseases and injuries. 

When a person with a good amount of strength falls, their muscles and bones can usually resist the impact of the fall. Plus, they tend to have an easier time rehabbing and recovering from the injury.

Work On Balance Actively

By putting effort into improving your balance issues, you have a much better chance of avoiding a fall in the first place.

There are many balance exercises that you can easily perform at home, which are bulleted below. But please note: you should always be safe and have someone around to help if you are practicing your balance at home.

  • Stand on one leg for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times per day.
  • Place one foot directly in front of the other and balance for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times per day.
  • Close your eyes and balance on both feet for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times per day.
  • Step onto a soft pillow and balance with both feet for 30 seconds, repeating 4 times per day.

Those exercises may not all be appropriate for you, but if you can do any of them, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of falling!

Work with a Chiropractor

Chiropractors can help to eliminate any spinal imbalances. In doing so, they can help you to stay upright, reducing the chances that you’ll lose your balance while standing or walking.

Your Lithia, FL chiropractor can help you improve your balance and reduce your fall risks in so many ways, you just have to set up an appointment to see for yourself! Book your first session with At Last Chiropractic now!