“Ever since I took that fall, I haven’t felt quite right.” This is a refrain that I hear from a surprising number of my patients. We tend to think of falls as affecting only older adults and causing primarily physical injuries. But neither is true. People of all ages fall, and the after-effects can be harmful in a variety of ways.
My theory is that unexpected falls destabilize the nervous system. Even if you aren’t badly hurt, these falls are scary. Our inner protective mechanisms become hypervigilant—our muscles become tense and we hold ourselves more rigidly. We also struggle with a lingering sense of unease and begin to mistrust our ability to safely do everyday activities. When a patient falls, I perform a thorough exam to rule out a concussion and possibly order an X-ray to check for fractures. I also treat the patient’s nervous system. In addition to the use of ice to treat an injury for the first 48 hours, followed by heat and painkillers, if needed, I’ve found that natural medicine can help people avoid lasting problems from falls. My favorite approaches…*
• Use natural remedies. Arnica is a well-known homeopathic remedy that is used topically for physical trauma. Arnica lotion, for example, can be applied to bruises or sprains several times a day until they are healed. Along with arnica, I recommend using homeopathic Aconite, a remedy that is excellent in treating the fright that follows sudden, violent accidents. Aconite is best taken within 48 hours of a fall. I typically recommend one dose (two pellets of Aconite 30C) taken under the tongue. If 24 hours after taking Aconite you remain anxious or scared about your fall, repeat the same dose once a day for up to a week.
• Try nervine herbs. Chamomile, valerian and hops are plant medicines that calm the nervous system and help the body recover from a fall by promoting rest and muscle relaxation. Take these herbs alone or in combination in tea or tincture form. Typical dose for a single herb or mixture: Drink 10 ounces of tea three times a day or take 60 drops of tincture in one ounce of water three times a day for up to two weeks.
• Get plenty of rest. Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts relaxes muscles and helps you get a good night’s sleep. Until you have fully recovered from the fall, it also helps to take 150 mg of magnesium citrate (the form most easily absorbed) twice daily. This mineral promotes relaxation.
• Consider bodywork. Soon after a fall, consider getting full-body massage or acupressure treatment several times. These therapies not only promote circulation and healing, but also help people regain trust in their bodies after a scary event.
Caution: If you hit your head, are bleeding significantly or suspect a fracture from a fall, get to a hospital emergency department. If you experience headache, vision changes, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting or a balance problem (even days after the fall), you may have a head injury and must seek immediate medical help.
*Check with your doctor first if you have a chronic condition or take medication.
