There is no point for chiropractors to live with their head in the sand: Yes, an 80-year old man died after seeing a chiropractor.
Here is what we know:
- The patient was indeed an 80-year old man
- The patient did receive manual therapy treatment from a chiropractor
- It is still unclear what exactly was the treatment that was provided to that man. According to the chiropractor, she used the Activator and also a drop-piece.
- The patient died at the hospital. His had multiple spinal fractures in his neck.
- No charges were brought against the chiropractor after a year-long investigation (according to the North Yorkshire Police).
- An inquest is currently ongoing but news outlet have not reported what is the purpose of the inquest.
Here is how Square One Active Recovery manages our clients:
- We go through your health history and your goals/expectations before we even see you – it’s compulsory for all clients to fill in our intake form before we accept them as patients.
- We talk through your health history again in person during your first consultation with us.
- We perform examinations to make sure you are okay to go ahead with treatment.
- We also make note of both red flags and yellow flags. In cases with suspected red flags, we do not proceed with treatment. We refer them straight out for further medical investigation. In cases with yellow flags, we take a watchful-waiting approach and address them as the opportunity arises. If necessary, we also refer the clients out to the appropriate healthcare service.
- We do not offer chiropractic adjustments or manual therapy as a core service. Less than 1% of our clients will receive hands-on treatment. We are an evidence-based chiropractic clinic and our strictly focus is on active recovery (i.e. exercise).
The above process applies regardless of your age or your condition!
When indicated, we perform neurological and orthopaedic testing as necessary as well.
In short, we wouldn’t perform any manipulative-type treatments on an 80-year old man (or any patients who were previously diagnosed with osteoporosis).
Risk factors for osteoporosis
For patients older than 65 years old, we screen for risks of osteoporosis. The risks factors are:
- Family history
- Previous fragility fractures
- History of falling
- Early onset menopause (45 years old and younger)
- Ageing
- Reduce height of more than 2cm in the past three years
- Prolonged immobility
- Low body weight
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption of more than 2 standard drinks a day
If necessary, we refer patients on for further investigation or DXA scans.
Exercise for osteoporosis is safe
You may not believe it but strength training is one of the most effective treatments for osteoporosis.
In the LIFTMOR trial conducted in Australia, osteoporosis sufferers who underwent high intensity strength training experienced improvements in their bone strength and functional fitness!
In a follow-up study published just this year, they found high intensity, high impact exercise (think HIIT) to not cause spinal fractures and – in fact – improves the hunched backs frequently associated with women with osteoporosis.
Exercise is what we do at Square One Active Recovery!
While risk of fractures is a concern for seniors, we will like to assure all our clients and prospective clients that exercise as a treatment is safe.
Don’t believe us? Check out this video of senior women lifting very heavy weights as part of the LIFTMOR trial.
