Women are 50 per cent more likely to experience falls than men, but it's men who generally experience more serious injuries when they occur.
Jacob Black, also known as Dr Jake from Active Spine Centre in Shepparton, is adamant — men, don’t hesitate to direct your female companion or yourself to a chiropractor after a fall, and don’t wait too long.
“Men fall from things such as ladders, postural hypotension (sudden change in blood pressure from standing up quickly), inner ear problems and dehydration,” Dr Jake said.
He said the most commonly self-reported injuries included superficial cuts and abrasions, bruises and sprains.
“The most common injuries that require hospitalisation comprise hip fractures (femoral neck), other fractures of the leg, hand and wrist.”
It is important to remember a few simple things if you witness or come across someone who has fallen:
1. Stay calm and reassure the person so that they, too, remain calm.
2. Assess the environment for hazards.
3. Call for assistance or call an ambulance if the incident is serious.
4. Some injuries are exacerbated by movement so assessing the person before moving them is important.
5. Should the person be in a condition where it is safe to move them, assist them using proper manual handling techniques and where possible call on others for assistance.
“Adrenaline may mask some symptoms due to the initial shock, so ongoing monitoring is required,” Dr Jake said.
“Active Spine Centre’s team of chiropractors see patients for a variety of reasons.
“Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in any age population, but falls are a major health concern for adults aged over 65.”
Dr Jake said according to the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society, around 30 per cent of adults over 65 experience at least one fall per year.
The society also reports that a staggering 52 per cent of falls occur in the home.
“Thankfully, studies have shown that chiropractic care can assist in recovery from a fall as well as help to decrease the risk of falls in elderly individuals,” Dr Jake said.
“It targets your nervous system.
“This can improve balance and posture, decrease vertigo and dizziness, increase blood flow and musculoskeletal function, and reduce musculoskeletal pain.”
Aside from applying their training to the evaluation of a variety of physical disorders and delivering manual adjustments and related therapeutic interventions, Dr Jake and his team of health professionals (chiropractors, naturopaths and remedial massage therapists) encourage patients to take an active role in restoring and maintaining health, with particular emphasis on health promotion and wellness approaches.
“This often includes moving well, eating well and thinking well,” Dr Jake said.
“While chiropractic adjustments are the signature modality we are best known for, chiropractors at Active Spine Centre provide much more than manual therapies alone.”
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