“I’m just not as balanced as I once
was.”
This isn’t an unusual conversation
starter at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic from our McHenry chiropractic patients
and/or their family members. Balance is
key to prevent falls and
associated issues that may come with a fall…like
breaking something! OrthoIllinois Chiropractic presents some news
about fall prevention and balance enhancement
with spinal manipulation and balance practice.
BALANCE AND AGING
The 50s bring some noticeable changes
especially in relation to balance. Such
changes in balance also boost the risk for falling and other
health concerns. A report of 1702 people between 51 and 75 years
of age who did not have any issues with walking found that 20.4% could
not perform a 10 second one-legged-stand which tended
to increase the risk of all-cause mortality. (1) Failing the 10 second balance test was related to an 84% higher risk of dying within in the
study time (12 years). This observational study didn’t declare cause/effect but suggested a link,
a link that may encourage middle and older age folks to practice
standing on one leg daily! To be safe, OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
recommends standing near to a counter
to stabilize yourself if necessary. If today only 3 seconds are
possible, keep practicing.
You’ll improve as you practice!
(2) Once you see some improvement, you will
keep practicing! Proprioception exercises may help, too!
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRACTICE BALANCE
A study compared how known “fallers,”
“nonfallers,” and young volunteers performed on a force plate measuring
test for postural sway. None were different in weight transfer. Younger volunteers decreased
postural sway within 2 seconds while older ones never did and swayed the same
the whole time. Older “fallers” swayed significantly more. This specially made
one-leg-stance test determined the “fallers”
better – 100% - than other commonly used ways
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 beneficial to your
McHenry chiropractor in determining 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 improving 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 assessed
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 enhance
your balance!
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
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 McHenry chiropractic
appointment now. We look forward to seeing how
much steadier you are!
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."