Our Brighton chiropractors and physio’s treat fall injuries all the time. Fall injuries are generally minor and will heal themselves in a few days or weeks, but some are more serious. Moderate to severe fall injuries are most common in people over 65 during a stay in hospital, followed by those aged 50 to 64 with an underlying health condition. Frailty plays a huge role in fall injuries in elderly patients, costing the NHS approximately £435 million a year.
What causes a higher incidence of falls in older people?
Balance, muscle strength and eyesight gradually worsen as you get older, which makes falls more likely. Reaction times are also more delayed in older people, which means you’re less likely to break your fall with your hands or unconsciously prime your body for contact with the ground. Older women are most at risk due to a higher likelihood of osteoporosis, a condition which weakens bones and makes them easier to break.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists can offer preventative care by assessing behavioural and environmental factors that might make falling more likely. This is provided through strength training and gradual improvement of balance, with adapted intensity and frequency depending on what each patient needs.
How to prevent fallsEngaging in regular exercises that focus on enhancing balance and strengthening muscles, particularly in the lower body, helps improve stability and coordination. These exercises may include Tai Chi, yoga and resistance training.
Our Brighton chiropractors can help. Chiropractic care complements these efforts by addressing musculoskeletal issues, promoting proper spinal alignment and enhancing nervous system function. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments positively impact balance and coordination.
Combining these approaches creates a holistic strategy to prevent falls. Integrating balance and strength exercises with chiropractic care empowers individuals to maintain physical well-being, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall quality of life.
Fall injuries aren’t restricted to elderly people
Whether it’s from playing sports or tripping on a kerb, falling can result in a very painful injury in a matter of seconds. Reaction times and muscle tone are generally better in younger people, which makes severe injuries less likely, but often result in sprained wrists and abrasions to the hand.
What should I do immediately after a fall?
Breathe slowly before trying to stand up and check for any injuries. If you’re struggling to get up, roll onto your side and ease yourself up into a sideways sitting position. Slowly get onto your hands and knees and use a nearby piece of furniture to help push you up, using one leg at a time and moving carefully.
Inflammation from a fall starts within an hour or two of injury, during which bleeding and swelling is likely to occur. Apply the R.I.C.E technique at this stage, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Try to keep moving around to a minimum for the first ten minutes after your fall. Use a damp flannel, or a cold pack, to reduce swelling. Gently press on the injury to stop bleeding and prop up the affected arm or leg. In most cases, you will start to feel better in four or five days and the injuries are likely to heal themselves.
Can chiropractors help if I still hurt weeks after falling over?
This is more common than you might think. Everyone experiences pain and injuries differently and how well you heal from a fall has much to do with lifestyle, environmental factors and the quality of aftercare. So what injuries typically take longer to heal after a fall?
Existing issues made worse. If you already suffer from back pain, a fall is likely to exacerbate the issue. If you’ve fallen onto your back, you may be suffering from a chipped vertebra, nerve damage, or in more severe cases a herniated disc. A chiropractor will be able to assess any damage done to your spine, perform gentle adjustments to accelerate the healing process and suggest exercises for you to do in the meantime to strengthen the spine and maintain mobility.
Sprains. This refers to the overstretching or tearing of ligaments that surround a joint, most frequently to the ankle or wrist. This is a very common complaint after a fall. Symptoms include persistent pain, bruising, limited mobility or a ‘popping’ sound when the joint is moved. Luckily, sprains are easily treated through physiotherapy, which strengthens the affected area through gentle exercise and strength training, as well as increasing mobility in the joint.
Torn meniscus. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and shinbone. Many things can cause a meniscus tear, from tackling someone at football to standing up too quickly. The symptoms are similar to a sprain, but most often include a feeling of the knee being ‘locked’ or that it’s unable to support you. A meniscus tear can get more painful if left untreated, so it’s important to consult a physiotherapist sooner rather than later for a personalised treatment plan.
No matter the cause of your fall or how long ago, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Book in for a consultation at Sundial – we’re always happy to help.