Chiropractic Care for an Aging Spine

Copyright (c) 2014 LifeWorks Integrative health

Do you think that you just have to live with back aches and pain just because you are growing old? If so, you are not alone. Research indicates that older adults are much more likely to experience back pain. However, older adults are much less likely to seek care for their pain than those who are younger. Whether you are 29 or 99, there is no reason why back pain should limit your ability to live each and every day to the fullest. While there may not be a fountain of youth, research indicates that chiropractic care and aging may go hand-in-hand. More and more older adults are turning to chiropractic care in order to reduce pain during their golden years.

How Does the Spine Change as We Grow Older?

The spine begins to degenerate as we age. However, the rate of degeneration largely depends on your stress levels. The more stress you are under, the faster your spine is going to degenerate. Chiropractic care for senior citizens is very important. It is very important to have your spine checked and adjusted on a regular basis.

Does Chiropractic Care and Aging Offer Any Special Benefits for Aging Women?

There are two major hormones that are directly associated with the female reproductive system. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Both of these hormones are drastically reduced during menopause. These hormones are also stimulated by the anterior pituitary gland, which is controlled by your hypothalamus. Think of your hypothalamus as the control center for your body. By maintaining proper spinal alignment, the central nervous system is going to function at its best. This is beneficial in helping to minimize the negative aspects that are so often associated with menopause.

Another large concern of women as they age of hunching of the back. Adjustments and physical therapy can help prevent curving in the spine of a woman as she ages.. Adjustments and therapy can slow down the hunching posture and help to keep the entire body in check. This can decrease hip fractures in women.. Chiropractic care and aging can help prevent all too common hip fractures in women as they age.

Chiropractic Care and Aging: What the Research Says

A 2009 research study found that older patients, who received chiropractic adjustments experienced significantly less pain and disability in comparison to those older patients, who were not treated with chiropractic care.

Another study conducted on chiropractic care and aging found that chiropractic care is most effective when combined with regular exercise and proper nutrition. A recent study of older adults found that those involved in regular physical activity had substantially less pain-related disability than older adults who do not participate in physical activity. Physical activity helps to improve balance, gait and strength, which are all key in the prevention of falls. Researchers also pointed out that adequate nutrition and supplementation can help to prevent falls.

Chiropractors cannot only provide older adults with chiropractic adjustments, but they can also provide advice on exercise, dietary and vitamin choices. Chiropractic care and aging is about more than just treating pain. Chiropractic care and aging is about working with older adults to help ensure they are making healthy lifestyle choices.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care in an Aging Population:

Chiropractic care and aging can be beneficial in helping older adults to maintain or increase their range of motion as they age. Improved range of motion can greatly increase independence in seniors. Benefits of an increased range of motion can include being able to enjoy activities and hobbies that were once prevented by pain and discomfort associated with spinal misalignment.

A chiropractor can help senior citizens with balance issues. As one ages, they may notice a decrease in balance and coordination. However, chiropractic patients have reported an increase in balance and coordination following chiropractic treatments. This is because there appears to be a direct link between balance/coordination problems and degenerative changes to the spine that occur over time.

Chiropractic care and aging is also beneficial for joint pain that is all too common in older adults. When your joints are out of alignment, they are much more likely to experience pain and generation. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help to decrease spinal degeneration as well as other arthritis changes throughout the body. This is completed by normalizing spinal alignment, which can help to prevent wear and tear over time.

Regular chiropractic care is a safe and effective means of treating pain and degeneration associated with the aging process. Chiropractic care provides seniors with a large number of benefits including increased balance, range of motion, mobility and flexibility as well as a decreased in aches and pains. Chiropractic care can help to improve quality of life in seniors; allowing them to enjoy independent living as well as their favorite activities.