Lower Back Pain After a Fall

Falling can lead to many minor or major problems for older adults such as impaired mobility, lower back pain after the fall, or even early death. Some steps can be taken to lessen the risk of falls in older adults which will result in a longer life, and a more quality life. Let’s take a look.

Studies have been done to show that seniors who have a history with falls tend to have weak muscle strength and impaired balance, especially in the lower back. Let’s see how we can address the lower back pain after a fall, and look at how chiropractic treatment can be a help.

A study was conducted where researchers compared three fall prevention approaches: educational classes, home safety assessments, and exercise training). The individuals in the exercise training group had the lowest risk of falling. A separate study done compared exercise on a stationary bike vs movement exercises using a video game system called exergames. Participants in the exergames group experienced more improvements in mobility and balance than those on the stationary bike, but taken together, the studies showed that a movement based exercise approach is the best method in preventing falls. So individuals who have a history of regular exercise are overall less likely to have a serious fall.

In 2020, a study was done involving active duty military personnel with chronic back pain. The study discovered that adding chiropractic care to a rehabilitative program including isometric and balance-focused exercises resulted in improved back pain, function, muscle strength, and balance compared to a control group that received no care. Another study found that a twelve week chiropractic treatment program helped to improve sensorimotor function in older adults to reduce a fall risk and lower back pain after a fall.

Lastly, an analysis of research from 39 studies which involved 17,626 seniors found that individuals with neck pain, lower back pain, hip, knee, and foot pain, were all more likely to have bad balance, especially people with musculoskeletal pain.

Lower back pain after a fall can be prevented through addressing any current muscoloskelatel issues. Chiropractic care is the best choice to prevent this lower back pain after a fall. Come see us today! Schedule a same day appointment now.

Dr David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP

Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.

A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.

He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.