Can chiropractic care benefit us as we age?

For decades, chiropractic care has proven to be one of the safest and most natural forms of healthcare out there. With dramatic results and minimal side effects, many individuals, of all ages, have been relying on chiropractic care to improve their overall health and increase mobility while decreasing pain. While chiropractic care has been a popular health care solution for individuals of all ages, more and more seniors, particularly those who need some type of assisted living care, are turning to chiropractic care as a way to improve their overall quality of life.

Routine chiropractic care can help any senior improve their overall health and well-being, but it can also give many seniors, particularly those who rely on others for help, more independence in their everyday lives. However, before seniors turn to chiropractic care, it is important that they understand what it is and how this all-natural form of alternative medicine can help seniors thrive.

 

What is Chiropractic Care?

Seniors who haven’t been to a chiropractor before, may not be aware of what chiropractic care is. Simply put, it is a natural form of healthcare that uses gentle yet effective spinal adjustments to put the spine in line. These adjustments correct misalignments or subluxations in the back so the spine can function properly and so it can relieve pressure on the nervous system, which runs through the spine.

When the nervous system is functioning as it should be and free of these subluxations that can prevent messages from being delivered through the nervous system, the body can help itself heal naturally. Chiropractic care does not include drugs or medications and comes with very minimal side effects. Many seniors turn to chiropractic care because it doesn’t include potentially harmful side effects that can cause more harm or that can interfere with other medications or treatments the senior may be undergoing for other ailments.

 

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Seniors?

Seniors are among the largest group of people who rely on regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help seniors in a number of ways. Regular visits can help seniors with:

Range of Motion – Most seniors will agree that the more they age, the more difficult it gets to move around. Regular chiropractic care can help seniors improve their range of motion, so they can become more flexible and easily move around each and every day. Improved range of motion can not only make everyday life easier on seniors, but it can help seniors maintain their independence in their own homes and it can help prevent falls.

Better Posture – When the spine is straight, seniors will naturally start having better posture. Unfortunately, many seniors live their lives with poor posture and spend much of their time bent over and causing even more pain and pressure on their spine. This can be remedied with regular chiropractic care.

Immune System – Chiropractic cares for the nervous system and helps keep the nervous system up and running as it should be. When the nervous system is functioning as it should be, the entire body is up and running as it should be, including the immune system. A healthy immune system can help seniors fight of infection, colds, flus and other illnesses. Several studies have also shown that chiropractic adjustments also stimulate white blood cell production, which can be of great help to any senior who may be struggling with certain illnesses or ailments.

Pain Relief – One of the biggest reasons that seniors tend to visit the chiropractor is for pain relief. Adjustments can provide relief from back and neck pain and from pain associated with arthritis. Chiropractic care is one of the safest ways to relieve spinal pain, and pressures on the discs, tendons and muscles in the spine and back. Many seniors who rely on chiropractic care are able to find pain relief without relying on pain killers.

Joint Degeneration – As the body ages, the joints start to undergo severe wear and tear. Many seniors suffer from joint degeneration, which can cause severe pain and other issues, many times leaving seniors unable to walk, or in the need of surgery or more invasive treatments. When the vertebrae and bones are not in proper alignment, it can put extra pressure on the joints and cause these joints to degenerate at a faster pace. When the spine is in line, it can relieve this pressure and slow down degeneration, meaning seniors can enjoy more years of pain-free, great joint health.

Increased Sense of Well-Being – Most seniors who receive regular chiropractic care find that they have minimized stress and tension, and a better overall sense of well-being. Many report a boost in energy as well. This is because chiropractic adjustments alleviate tension on the nervous system, which can help the entire body function as it should be and help people feel healthier and more energized.

 

Getting Started with Senior Chiropractic Care

Many studies have shown that regular chiropractic care can go a long way in helping any senior improve their health and overall quality of life. Seniors who want to see results from chiropractic care should expect to go to the doctor multiple times per week at first and maintain a relatively regular schedule to start seeing, and keeping their results. After all, many seniors have developed years of spinal issues that they need to reverse, so chiropractic adjustments may not deliver seeable results overnight, noticeable changes may take weeks or months.

For seniors who have never visited a chiropractor before, they may be nervous about their first adjustment. While some adjustments will make a noise such as a popping or cracking sound, chiropractic adjustments do not normally hurt. Their doctor should walk them through the entire process before they begin, so that the senior is comfortable. Many chiropractors specialize in senior care and will have special techniques designed specifically for more fragile, older patients, ensuring that their senior patients are always getting the personalized care they need to thrive.

–senioradvice.com

 

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