“I’m just not as balanced as I used to be.”
This is not an unusual conversation
starter at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center from our Manahawkin chiropractic patients
and/or their family members. Balance is
crucial to avert falls and
related issues that may come with a fall…like
breaking something! Manahawkin Chiropractic Center presents some news
about fall prevention and balance enhancement
with spinal manipulation and balance practice.
BALANCE AND AGING
The 50s bring some hard to ignore changes
particularly 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 didn't have any issues with walking found that 20.4% couldn’t do a 10 second one-legged-stand which managed
to intensify the risk of all-cause mortality. (1) Failing the 10 second balance test had an 84% greater risk of dying within in the
study period (12 years). This observational study did
not declare cause/effect but suggested a connection,
a link that may insire middle and older age folks to practice
standing on one leg every day! To be safe, Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
recommends standing next a counter
to stabilize yourself if necessary. If today only 3 seconds are
possible, keep working on it.
you will improve over time!
(2) Once you add a few seconds, you’ll
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 did 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 designed
one-leg-stance test determined the “fallers”
better – 100% - than other more common 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 quite helpful to your
Manahawkin chiropractor in determining baseline
balance.
ROLE OF CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATION IN MOVEMENT CONTROL
A recently 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 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 enhance
your balance!
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
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 Manahawkin chiropractic
appointment today. We look forward to hearing 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."