Most of us understand that as we age, we should expect some decline in our physical abilities and overall musculoskeletal health. It’s true. Our strength, flexibility, balance and coordination typically do deteriorate bit by bit over the years. However, it’s also true that lifestyle choices we make throughout our lives—about things like nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and spinal care—play an important role in how well we age. More specifically, they help determine how long we can remain active and independent.
Seniors, Back Pain, Mobility and Health
The overwhelming majority of adults will develop back pain at some point during their lifetimes. Seniors are particularly likely to experience it and for back pain to become chronic. In many cases, this is simply the result of cumulative wear and tear (often diagnosed as “degenerative disc disease”). However, it can also be caused by spinal misalignment, which places unusual stress and pressure on surrounding muscles, connective tissues and nerves. If pain and disability become serious enough, seniors may become less physically active, setting off a series of changes that can negatively affect their overall health and well-being.
Unfortunately, many of those who suffer from back pain—including seniors—are treated with anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications that only provide minimal relief for a short period of time. Fortunately, there are other options.
How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Seniors
This is where chiropractic care comes in. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and mobilization techniques to re-align the vertebrae to reduce the negative impact on the joints, surrounding soft tissue and nervous system. Symptoms are relieved without the risks associated with surgery or drugs.
By promoting proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care helps maintain correct posture, reduces pain and improves function. There is also evidence that it can help alleviate the symptoms of many conditions associated with old age. Even those seniors who are already suffering from a decline in mobility can often benefit from treatment and return to more active living.
Here are just some of the potential benefits for seniors:
- Pain Relief
- Improved Range of Motion
- Better Balance
- Improved Coordination
- Slowing of Joint Degeneration
- Better Overall Health
- Increased Independence
Giving a Boost to Seniors’ Balance and Coordination
Falls are a particular concern for seniors, who are more likely to receive serious injuries from them due to slower reflexes, reduced upper body and arm strength and more fragile bones. The likelihood of falling tends to increase with age due to a decline in the systems that enable balance and coordination. Chiropractic care has been shown to restore balance and coordination in seniors, and it may even slow the deterioration commonly seen in people as they age.
Living independently is often a high priority for seniors. So too is spending quality time with family and friends. Mobility is typically a key to achieving both of these goals. Chiropractic care can help seniors maintain their musculoskeletal health so that they have the ability to live life on their own terms for as long as possible. If you’d like to learn more, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to help!