“I’m just not as steady as I once
was.”
This is not an unusual conversation
starter at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa from our West Des Moines chiropractic patients
and/or their loved ones. Balance is
important to prevent falls and
related problems that may come with it…like
breaking something! Executive Chiropractic of Iowa offers some news
about fall prevention and balance improvement
with spinal manipulation and balance practice.
BALANCE AND AGING
The 50s bring some noticeable changes
particularly in terms of balance. Such
changes in balance also boost the risk for falling and other
health concerns. A study of 1702 people between 51 and 75 years
old who did not experience
any problems with walking found that 20.4% could
not perform a 10 second one-legged-stand which tended
to intensify 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 period (12 yrs). This observational study did
not declare cause/effect but suggested a link,
a link that may encourage middle and older age folks to practice
standing on one leg every day! To be safe, Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
recommends standing near to a tall chair
to catch yourself if necessary. If today only 3 seconds are
possible, keep practicing.
you will do better over time!
(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 were different in weight transfer. 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 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
West Des Moines chiropractor in evaluating baseline
balance.
ROLE OF CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATION IN MOVEMENT CONTROL
A newly published paper described
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 decreasing
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 during office visits and in
exercise sessions of practicing standing on one foot
then the other at home, we will realize how well we can improve
your balance!
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
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 West Des Moines chiropractic
appointment now. We look forward to hearing how
much better balanced you feel!
"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."