“I’m just not as balanced as I once
was.”
This is not an unusual conversation
starter at Cross Chiropractic Center from our Sandy Springs chiropractic patients
and/or their loved ones. Balance is
crucial to avert falls and
related issues that may come with it…like
breaking something! Cross Chiropractic Center presents some news
regarding fall prevention and balance enhancement
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 increase the risk for falling and other
health concerns. A report of 1702 people between 51 and 75 years
of age who did not experience
any issues with walking found that 20.4% could
not do 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% greater risk of dying within in the
study period (12 yrs). This observational study didn’t state cause/effect but suggested a connection,
a link that may encourage middle and older age folks to practice
standing on one leg every day! To be safe, Cross Chiropractic Center
recommends standing near to a counter
to catch yourself if necessary. If you can only do 2 seconds today, keep practicing.
you will do better over time!
(2) Once you see some improvement, 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 performed on a force plate gauging
test for postural sway. None differed in transfer of
weight. Younger volunteers 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 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 beneficial to your
Sandy Springs 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 reducing
postural sway and entropy (forward/backward movement) as determined
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 Cross 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.
Schedule your Sandy Springs chiropractic
appointment today. We look forward to seeing how
much better balanced 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."