As we age, the risk of experiencing a significant fall that results in injury increases slightly from 18% per year as a young adult, to 21% in middle age, then more dramatically, to one out of every three after the age of 65, to better than even after age 80. Falls that result in no, or minor, injury are rarely reported. Individual risk depends on a variety of factors, including nutrition, medications, visual acuity, balance, mobility, cognitive ability, assistive devices, environment, and confidence (or fear).
Falls are a serious health concern among the elderly and certain other high risk individuals with certain health conditions that either make them prone to falling, or prone to fall-related injuries. These individuals in particular should seek immediate medical attention after a fall.
Studies have found that both falling and fall-related injuries become more frequent and more serious as we age. Falls are a primary factor contributing to 40% of hospital and nursing home admissions among older individuals and the leading cause of injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, in elderly individuals. Though one out of every three adults over 65 experiences a fall, less than half of them seek medical attention. As many as 30% of elderly patients who experience a fall will suffer injuries that hamper mobility and are more likely to die prematurely.
One out of every ten men, and one out of every five women age 50 or older will experience a hip fracture at some point in their lives. Half of all of those who suffer hip fractures do not regain the ability to walk normally, and one out of five will die within the next six months.
Anyone can experience a fall, even be injured in a fall, but the risk increases dramatically after age 65, due to a variety of physical changes that occur in old age. Some of these include reduced visual acuity as a result of cataracts and glaucoma, reduced mobility, increased reaction time, decreased muscle strength, confusion, and other problems that may be treated with medication that may have dizziness or other side effects that can increase fall risk.
Certain other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, low blood pressure, bronchitis, COPD, arthritis, impaired vision, and Parkinson’s disease can cause dizziness, weakness, and sensory problems that can all increase the risk of a fall and injury in even younger individuals. In these high risk populations, the dangers inherent in a fall can be quite serious and can even result in disability or premature death.
With so many potential factors increasing the risk of a fall, and with the potentially serious consequences of a fall, it’s important for healthcare providers to help identify and mitigate as many risk factors as possible. Some ways to reduce the risk of falls include assistive devices, adjusting prescriptions (including prescription eyewear), and chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is based on a holistic approach of ensuring the body is properly aligned and working together properly. A chiropractor can manipulate the spine, joints, muscles, and other tissue to improve mobility and bring the body into alignment. Chiropractic care can also help to decrease pain from arthritis and other painful conditions, which may allow patients to decrease the amount of medication they need. Finally, a chiropractor can recommend exercises a patient can do at home to increase muscle strength and improve balance and body awareness.
If you have experienced a significant fall, frequent falls with or without injury, or if you are at increased risk of a fall, call Eastern Chiropractic now on 9857 4503 to schedule an appointment to find out how chiropractic may be able to help you reduce your risk of a future fall.
Falls are a serious health concern among the elderly and certain other high risk individuals with certain health conditions that either make them prone to falling, or prone to fall-related injuries. These individuals in particular should seek immediate medical attention after a fall.
Studies have found that both falling and fall-related injuries become more frequent and more serious as we age. Falls are a primary factor contributing to 40% of hospital and nursing home admissions among older individuals and the leading cause of injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, in elderly individuals. Though one out of every three adults over 65 experiences a fall, less than half of them seek medical attention. As many as 30% of elderly patients who experience a fall will suffer injuries that hamper mobility and are more likely to die prematurely.
One out of every ten men, and one out of every five women age 50 or older will experience a hip fracture at some point in their lives. Half of all of those who suffer hip fractures do not regain the ability to walk normally, and one out of five will die within the next six months.
Anyone can experience a fall, even be injured in a fall, but the risk increases dramatically after age 65, due to a variety of physical changes that occur in old age. Some of these include reduced visual acuity as a result of cataracts and glaucoma, reduced mobility, increased reaction time, decreased muscle strength, confusion, and other problems that may be treated with medication that may have dizziness or other side effects that can increase fall risk.
Certain other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, low blood pressure, bronchitis, COPD, arthritis, impaired vision, and Parkinson’s disease can cause dizziness, weakness, and sensory problems that can all increase the risk of a fall and injury in even younger individuals. In these high risk populations, the dangers inherent in a fall can be quite serious and can even result in disability or premature death.
With so many potential factors increasing the risk of a fall, and with the potentially serious consequences of a fall, it’s important for healthcare providers to help identify and mitigate as many risk factors as possible. Some ways to reduce the risk of falls include assistive devices, adjusting prescriptions (including prescription eyewear), and chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is based on a holistic approach of ensuring the body is properly aligned and working together properly. A chiropractor can manipulate the spine, joints, muscles, and other tissue to improve mobility and bring the body into alignment. Chiropractic care can also help to decrease pain from arthritis and other painful conditions, which may allow patients to decrease the amount of medication they need. Finally, a chiropractor can recommend exercises a patient can do at home to increase muscle strength and improve balance and body awareness.
If you have experienced a significant fall, frequent falls with or without injury, or if you are at increased risk of a fall, call Eastern Chiropractic now on 9857 4503 to schedule an appointment to find out how chiropractic may be able to help you reduce your risk of a future fall.