Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Seniors
“While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to suit the environment,” expressed B.J. Palmer, an American chiropractor (1882-1961) and son of Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic.
Many people greatly rely on the skills and expertise of chiropractors to treat certain neuromuscular disorders. Others may be familiar with this type of health care approach but worry it might not be safe for them to undergo treatment due to their advancing years and aging body.
Perhaps one of the first concerns seniors might have regarding chiropractic care is the spinal manipulation involved that may affect the potentially fragile composition of their bodies. Some may jokingly ask, “Will it break me?” To assuage that concern, it’s important to understand chiropractic doctors receive specialized training to address the unique needs of older adults in an effective and safe manner. For seniors struggling with decreased mobility, chiropractic care may help to restore this deficiency. In fact, my grandfather received chiropractic care weekly until he passed away at age 92. He never wavered from this type of care and greatly credited it for his continued ability to move about with relative ease in his advanced years, allowing him to continue his law practice until the age of 90.
What Is It?
Chiropractors are health care professionals who focus on “the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders.” This primarily involves what is known as manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine. The goal of this type of treatment is to reduce pain and aid in the overall functionality of the individual. Physical issues chiropractors may treat include sciatica, lower back pain, headaches, neck pain, repetitive strains, injuries from car accidents and sports and arthritic pain. Chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care providers, referring patients to medical doctors and spine specialists as needed for additional treatment.
Staying healthy and active during our twilight years is important to aid our bodies during the inevitable aging process. Even though our bones and muscles may not have the strength and physical prowess they once did, it is still possible to get up, get out and get going, doing the things we enjoy doing. As we age, we may face issues with pain or deterioration of the body. Chiropractic care can have the benefits for older adults of increased mobility to a decreased risk of falls and other types of injuries. With routine visits, older adults can benefit in many ways. Consider chiropractic care more of a maintenance modality as opposed to a reactive approach to health care issues.
Benefits Worth Considering
For an enhanced immune system, proper alignment of the spine aids in improved circulation, helping the body eliminate toxins. Additionally, it helps the brain better communicate with all parts of the body.
Many older adults suffer from poor balance and decreased coordination. We all have small receptors at the base of our cervical spine that inform the brain about where our limbs are functioning in space. Over time, these receptors lose their ability to function effectively, resulting in poor balance and the potential for falls. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve the communication in the spine, stimulating the receptors and improving their ability to function at a more optimal level.
Pain is something with which many older adults struggle. This can be the result of compression fractures in the spine or from osteoarthritis. With age also comes a decrease in bone density, leading to a greater potential for fractures. If your back is improperly aligned, this can put additional pressure on the vertebrae and increase that risk for fractures. A simple spinal manipulation can help alleviate discomfort from the joints between the vertebrae.
Even Better News!
A 2021 Australian study revealed regular chiropractic adjustments resulted in increased flexibility and range of motion. Translation? Individuals enjoyed an improved quality of life as a result and were able to continue doing the activities they love with less incidence of resulting pain. When older adults are beneficiaries of chiropractic care, they are less likely to suffer from arthritis issues; more likely to engage in regular exercise; less likely to require nursing home assistance; and, if hospitalized, report decreased hospital stays.
If you are still hesitant about receiving chiropractic care, be advised that any and all treatments received from a chiropractor can be specifically tailored to meet your own needs and abilities. While you may think of chiropractic treatments as rather aggressive and forceful, although they are safe and effective for most individuals, treatment approaches can be adjusted to meet the patient’s specific medical needs, condition and preference. ■
Sources: lifegivingchiro.com, spineuniverse.com, thejoint.com and bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com.