“I’m just not as steady as I used to be.”
This isn’t an uncommon conversation
starter at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries from our Manchester chiropractic patients
and/or their loved ones. Balance is
key to avert falls and
associated problems that may come with it…like
breaking something! Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries presents some news
about fall prevention and balance enhancement
with spinal manipulation and balance practice.
BALANCE AND AGING
The 50s bring some noticeable changes
particularly in relation to balance. Such
changes in balance also increase the risk for falling and other
health concerns. A report of 1702 people between 51 and 75 years
old who didn't have any problems with walking found that 20.4% couldn’t perform a 10 second one-legged-stand which tended
to intensify the risk of all-cause mortality. (1) Failing the 10 second balance test had an 84% higher risk of dying within in the
study period (12 years). This observational study did
not declare cause/effect but suggested a link,
a link that may insire middle and older age folks to practice
standing on one leg every day! To be safe, Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
recommends standing near to a tall chair
to catch yourself if necessary. If today only 3 seconds are
possible, keep working on it.
You’ll improve as you practice!
(2) Once you add a few seconds, you will
want to do more! Proprioception exercises may help, too!
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRACTICE BALANCE
A research project compared how known “fallers,”
“nonfallers,” and young volunteers performed on a force plate gauging
test for postural sway. None differed in transfer of
weight. Younger ones reduced
postural sway within 2 seconds while older ones never did and swayed the same
the whole time. Older “fallers” swayed significantly more. This specially designed
one-leg-stance test established who the “fallers” were better – 100% - than other commonly used tests
to measure balance – five-times-sit-to-stand (69%), timed-up-and-go (48%),
usual one-leg-stance without special parameters as in this research study
(62%). (3) Tests like these are quite helpful to your
Manchester chiropractor in evaluating baseline
balance.
ROLE OF CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATION IN MOVEMENT CONTROL
A newly published paper noted
the benefit of (Cox®) flexion distraction spinal manipulation
for lumbar spinal stenosis patients by enhancing their balance
test scores - Timed Up and Go and Five Times Sit to Stand Test – and reducing
postural sway and entropy (forward/backward movement) as measured
on a force plate. (4) That is so good! Between our in-office chiropractic treatments with Cox® Technic in the office and your practicing standing on one foot
then the other at home, we will realize how well we can improve
your balance!
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates relieving
chiropractic care and re-establishing balance via The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for
patients with spinal stenosis.
Make your Manchester chiropractic
appointment now. We look forward to seeing how
much better balanced you feel!