Hyperextension in Aging People: Causes and Care

As we age, our bodies change a lot. One big challenge is hyperextension. Every year, 12 out of 100 people over 65 visit the emergency room for injuries1. Also, a quarter of all trauma cases in the U.S. involve seniors¹. This shows we really need to focus on hyperextension in older adults.

Hyperextension happens when the knee bends too far back. It can really affect how well someone moves and feels. As we get older, our bones get weaker, our muscles lose strength, and we become less flexible. This makes it more likely for us to experience hyperextension¹. Plus, one-third of seniors fall every year¹, making things even harder.

Key Takeaways

• Hyperextension is a common issue among aging individuals, often resulting from a variety of factors, including changes in the spinal column, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness.
• Older adults face a higher risk of injury-related emergency department visits, with geriatric patients representing a quarter of trauma admissions nationally.
• One-third of geriatric patients experience falls each year, which can further contribute to the challenges of hyperextension.
• Effective management of hyperextension in the elderly requires a comprehensive approach, including physical therapy, daily exercises, and the use of assistive devices.
• Understanding the causes and proactively addressing hyperextension can help aging individuals maintain their mobility and independence.

Understanding Hyperextension in the Elderly

Age-Related Changes in Spinal Curvature

As we get older, our spine changes in ways that can lead to hyperextension. One big change is the increase in thoracic kyphosis, or the forward curve of the upper back. This is often called “hunchback.”

This condition is mainly due to age-related changes in the vertebrae and discs. It’s also caused by a decrease in bone density (osteoporosis) and muscle². The stiffening of joints and reduced flexibility in the spine make it harder to keep the spine straight and prevent hyperextension².

These age-related changes in spinal curvature affect posture and mobility. The thoracic area becoming more rounded can lead to the cervical and lumbar areas becoming more extended. This increases the risk of hyperextension.

This can cause chronic neck pain, headaches, fatigue, shoulder and upper back pain, cognitive changes, and lower back pain. These are common symptoms of whiplash injuries caused by hyperextension².

It’s important to address these age-related changes in spinal curvature to prevent and manage hyperextension in the elderly. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, facilitating healing, and restoring joint motion². No medication can fully restore normal joint movement or stimulate healthy soft tissue repair, making non-pharmacological treatments key for hyperextension injuries².

If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent hyperextension injury effects after a few weeks, it’s recommended to contact a chiropractor. They can provide proper diagnosis and specialized musculoskeletal injury treatment².

“About 20% of hyperextension injuries can result in long-term effects, such as weakness, limited flexibility, and prolonged pain.”

²

Hyperextension in Aging People: Causes and Risks

As we age, our bodies change in ways that can lead to hyperextension. This is when a joint bends back more than it should. Spinal changes with age can cause instability and raise the risk of falls and injuries³.

Muscle weakness and joint stiffness are also common in older adults. These issues make it harder to keep the spine and joints stable. This increases the risk of hyperextension and injuries³.

Osteoporosis, a decrease in bone density, also raises the risk of hyperextension and injuries³. People with weak muscles, past knee injuries, or who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of knee problems³.

These factors can lead to more falls and injuries, as well as physical limitations and reduced mobility in older adults³. Knee hyperextension beyond 0 degrees can cause severe symptoms like torn ligaments and bone bruising⁴.

Trauma, impact to the knee, and sudden stops on one leg are common causes of hyperextension⁴. Genu recurvatum, with knee hyperextension over 5 degrees, can cause an abnormal gait and lack of balance⁴.

In summary, hyperextension in older adults is mainly caused by spinal changes, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and osteoporosis. These factors increase the risk of falls, injuries, and physical limitations. It’s crucial for older adults to receive proactive care and management.

Recent research shows that 71% of older adult spinal cord injuries come from low-level falls, like slipping on a floor⁵. Also, one in three older adults in North America will fall every day, with one in seven of those falls causing spinal injuries⁵.

Research funding has been given to study spinal injuries in aging people. This includes a $200,000 US Craig H. Neilsen Foundation postdoctoral fellowship and a $150,000 Michael Smith Health Research B.C. Research Trainee award⁵. The goal is to analyze MRI data over a decade to prevent and manage hyperextension in the elderly.

Conclusion

Hyperextension in older adults is a complex issue needing a full approach. Understanding the causes, like age-related spinal changes⁶, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness, is key. Osteoporosis⁶ also plays a role.

Effective strategies include physical therapy, daily exercises, and assistive devices like braces or canes. These help improve strength, flexibility, and stability.

By managing hyperextension, older adults can keep their mobility. This reduces fall and injury risks⁷. It also supports their independence.

Ongoing research and education are vital. They ensure older adults get the best care for this common issue.

Maintaining mobility and preventing injuries are crucial for older adults’ well-being. A comprehensive approach is needed. This includes physical therapy, exercises, and assistive devices⁶.

This empowers older adults to manage hyperextension and enjoy a better life. Staying informed and proactive helps address this health concern. It supports our aging population’s independence and active lifestyles.

Source Links

1. Geriatric Cervical Spine Injury – StatPearls – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470375/
2. What is a Hyperextension Injury? | Shoreview, MN Chiropractor | Steffen Chiropractic Center – https://www.steffenchiropracticcenter.com/what-is-a-hyperextension-injury
3. What is a Hyperextended Knee? – https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-is-a-hyperextended-knee
4. What is Knee Hyperextension? – https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Knee-Hyperextension.aspx
5. Research tracks severity—and rise—of spinal cord injuries from older adult falls – https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2023/12/research-tracks-severity-of-spinal-cord-injuries-in-older-adults.html
6. The Aging Hand – https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/58/2/M146/593573
7. Overview, Auditory and Visual Impairments, Falls – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/318521-overview