Around 22 million Americans use chiropractic care to address chronic pain and injuries each year. This includes people of all ages, from infants on up. If you have not experienced chiropractic treatment before, you may have questions about its usefulness for older adults. The primary goal of chiropractic care for seniors is to relieve pain and make daily physical activity easier.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care works on the musculoskeletal system that consists of bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractic treatments have proven to be an effective alternative to traditional medical treatments for millions worldwide. In the United States, chiropractors are licensed following a multi-year doctorate degree and hundreds of hours of intensive training. Regular chiropractic visits can help decrease pain and help you learn how to prevent pain from returning. Chiropractic treatments improve spinal motion, relieve tight muscles, and improve posture, reducing pain and inflammation and the need for pain medications.
Effective Chiropractic Care Is Essential
A variety of techniques are used by chiropractors when addressing a patient’s needs. Before any treatment begins, a chiropractor will start with a detailed medical history, followed by an exam and diagnostics. If indicated, the doctor will take x-rays during the initial consultation. They will then review the information and work with you to develop a treatment plan. This approach is safer and more conservative than traditional medical treatments, which often rely on pain medications or invasive procedures.
How Chiropractic Care Benefits Seniors
1. Prevents Falls
Regular chiropractic care can help improve coordination and reduce falls – a leading cause of serious injury and death for older adults. Each year, falls are reported by one-third of all people over age 65. If you’ve fallen or are worried about falling, chiropractic care can help improve your strength, balance, and flexibility and make you feel stronger and more confident on your feet.
2. Manages Pain
Seniors often experience pain from osteoarthritis and other age-related conditions. These pain symptoms are caused by a lack of mobility in affected joints. Chiropractic adjustments help restore motion to the joints, reducing the pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic care is often an effective alternative to pain medications. Regular chiropractic care eases the pressure on joints, decreasing pain and, in some cases, eliminating it.
3. Improves Balance
The tiny receptors at the base of your neck (cervical spine) send messages to your brain that help it understand where your body and limbs function in space. Aging decreases these receptors’ ability to function correctly, and many older adults begin to experience balance problems. Chiropractic care improves the communication between the spine and brain by stimulating the receptors and making them function more effectively.
4. Increases Range of Motion
Chiropractic care improves a patient’s flexibility and range of motion. By bringing the spine back into alignment, patients experience a greater range of motion and can move with greater ease. Improved range of motion allows older adults to engage in meaningful and necessary daily activities and helps prevent injuries.
5. Improves Quality of Life
Numerous studies have shown that sedentary adults are more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. With less pain, improved mobility, and better balance, seniors can remain physically active and participate more fully in family and community activities.
Why Should Seniors Consider Chiropractic Treatment?
Researchers at the University of Iowa studied the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for seniors and found it was as effective as traditional medical care when treating uncomplicated back conditions such as strains and sprains over a two-year period. Senior chiropractic care helps reduce pain associated with conditions common as we age. Your chiropractor will work along with your primary care physician to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
For seniors recovering from injury or illness and those experiencing chronic pain, chiropractic care can help relieve pain and restore physical functions, including flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Chiropractic care involves a combination of approaches, including gentle spinal manipulation, stretching, therapeutic massage, and other techniques which are safe and effective for people at any age and stage of life.
The Bluffs Chiropractic & Family Wellness Team Can Help!
If you think chiropractic care might be the right solution for you, call The Bluffs Chiropractic & Family Wellness team today. After a thorough chiropractic assessment, we’ll develop an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs. Chiropractic treatments can help improve joint movement and relax tight and spasmed muscles without using pain medications or invasive procedures.
If you’re ready to take the next step in achieving relief and overall wellness, contact The Bluffs Chiropractic & Family Wellness team today. Dr. Joshua Lippincott has been serving patients for over 12 years and is passionate about helping people achieve their best possible health. Contact us online or call (636) 326-2525 to schedule your initial consultation.