Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries in older Americans and according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about one-fourth of Americans over the age of 65 fall each year.
Falls account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in the emergency room. About 85% of hip fractures among the elderly are caused by falls. Unfortunately, as the elderly population continues to grow, it is expected that the financial toll for older adult falls will only increase.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Seniors
If you or someone you love has suffered from a slip and fall accident, chiropractic care can provide a number of benefits that can help the elderly individual heal.
Pain Relief
After a fall, pain is all too common. Even if the fall only caused minor bruising, many elderly patients will find that they’re suffering from back pain. A chiropractor can help identify and treat any misalignments of the vertebrae. If you’re suffering from a spinal injury, such as a herniated or bulging disc after a fall, a chiropractor can create a chiropractic treatment plan to help alleviate your pain, and explain how long you should see a chiropractor.
Increased Balance & Coordination
Injuries combined with spinal conditions and medications can lead to the loss of balance and coordination. Chiropractic care can help reestablish balance and coordination by stimulating the joint receptors in the cervical column, which results in better balance and coordination. A recent study examined the effectiveness of chiropractic care in improving sensorimotor function associated with a risk of falls in the elderly. The study revealed that regular chiropractic care led to the improvement of sensorimotor function.
Better Range of Motion
After a fall, you may feel pain or discomfort in bending over or reaching for items around the house. Visiting a chiropractor can aid in improving your range of motion not only in the spine, but also in your legs and arms. Some patients say that they immediately feel a difference in their range of motion right after an adjustment.
Decreased Risk of Falling
Along with increased balance and coordination, a chiropractor can help reduce the risk of falls by increasing an individual’s strength, flexibility and mobility. Your chiropractor can also prescribe stretching and exercise programs that can help you further reduce your risk of falling again.
At ChiroCare of Florida, we have helped patients of all ages who have suffered from a serious fall. Our doctors will work with you to create a plan that will aid in the healing process and prevent future falls. Your health and well-being is the number one priority of the staff at ChiroCare of Florida.
Contact us online or call 1-877-DRRIGHT to schedule an appointment with an experienced chiropractor at ChiroCare of Florida.
