As our population ages, our seniors are being told that their heart diseases or cancers won't be as likely to cause death as from a fall. Family chiropractic care improves senses and reduces risks of falling in the elderly population. Doctors are urging seniors to rely more and more on canes, walkers, and other devices to help offer greater support when balance issues become even slightly problematic. According to Holt et. Al (2016), “Falls account for more than 80% of injury-related hospital admissions in people older than 65 years and they are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults. Approximately 30%-40% of community-dwelling older adults suffer from at least 1 fall per year.” (pg. 267)
The National Institute of Health (NIH) lists the risk factors in older adults to include:
- Lower limb weakness
- Recent History of Falling
- Gait Deficits
- Deterioration of the sensorimotor system that occurs regularly with normal aging
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and gait
- Blood pressure drops
- Postural hypotension
- Reflexes slower
- Foot problems
- Sensory problems
- Vision issues
- Confusion
- Medications
If an elderly person who has one or more of the above risk factors can minimize those risks, the likelihood of falling can be decreased and potentially extend their life. Evidence in further studies by Holt et. al, suggests that chiropractic care may influence sensory and motor systems that potentially have an impact on some of the neuromuscular risk factors associated with falling, thereby reducing the risk of falling.
Holt et. al, found that outcomes measured for both sensorimotor and quality of life increased with chiropractic care. The primary outcomes showed improvement in “choice stepping reaction time” (CSRT) and “sound-induced flash illusion.” The CSRT involves feet placement in a timed scenario and sound-induced flash illusion involves multisensory processing to ascertain reaction to perceived illusions. Both have been significantly related to older populations and falling.
Family Chiropractors can discuss how chiropractic care can decrease the risk of falling. Call McKim Chiropractic for more information and to schedule a consultation with a family chiropractor. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the elderly citizens of Nampa, ID achieve a balanced life!
