Trips and Falls

Trips and falls can be a significant risk to our health and wellbeing. When we are younger our bodies are much lighter, with good reflexes and muscle tone. However as we get older, and change our lifestyle to a less active level, a simple fall can bring about severe injuries.

Fractures need medical care

In the worst case we are talking about fractures. The statistics concerning falls and fractures in the elderly are very sobering. It is suggested that up 20% of those over the age of 75, who fall and fracture their hip will die in the twelve months following the fall. Of those who were living independantly prior to the fracture, 50% are unable to afterwards.

In the case of fracture, medical treatment is the immediate priority. A medical assessment should be made for any severe knock or fall, especially if you have hit your head.

Delayed Reactions

Once the immediate trauma has be dealt with many people find that they experience aches and pains throughout their body. The muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and even the organs get a severe jar during a fall. It can take several days or even weeks before symptoms are obvious.

It is not unusual to have a fall, feel like nothing has been injured, then having an acute pain episode while doing minor physical work at a later date.

The fall can also aggravate pre-existing problems that may not have not had active symptoms, such as spondylosis.

The Chiropractic Approach

The first thing to do is assess how the joints are moving and whether there is any nerve irritation. Reducing the swelling using an ice pack is an effective drug free method of dealing with the sprains and strains.

Chiropractic adjustments can be delivered even when things are sore and inflammed. Our experience is that if the movement is improved the acute symptoms resolve quickly.

Adjustments will also be required in other areas of the spine and body. This deals with pain free injuries and pre-exisiting problems in those areas.