As we age, our bodies start to present signs and symptoms of weakening and decline. These signs often include pains and aches all over the body. When an older individual notices loss of balance and mobility, limited range of motion of the extremities, joint degeneration, frequent incidence of falling, and pain, chiropractic care for seniors may benefit them.
While chiropractic care is an increasingly popular type of alternative treatment option, is it a viable one for the elderly? In today’s post, we’ll talk about the benefits of chiropractic care for seniors. We’ll also do a more in-depth look at symptoms when seniors may need chiropractic care and treatment.
Main Benefits of Chiropractic for Senior Patients
Pain Relief
Chiropractors are highly trained in spinal manipulation techniques that focus on subluxations. These subluxations usually lead to inflammation and pain. That’s why it’s not surprising that more and more patients turn to chiropractic adjustment for pain relief.
Also, focusing on the subluxations means that chiropractors treat the cause and origin of the pain and bring permanent, long-term solutions, rather than masking it with short-term fixes or medications.
Natural Treatment
Speaking of medications, many of them come with unpleasant side effects. Older individuals, specifically those battling chronic diseases, prefer treatment that doesn’t heavily rely on medicines that may inflame their underlying conditions. Since chiropractic care for seniors is a natural treatment option, many elderly patients choose it.
Enhanced Quality of Life
By alleviating pain and discomfort, chiropractors help patients get improved quality of life. For senior patients, the goal is to help them maintain their range of motion so that they can live comfortably and independently for as long as possible.
As you know, with age comes stiffness and incapability to do regular, day-to-day things we’re used to doing.
With the help of chiropractic care for seniors, that does not have to be the case.
Lower Incidence of Falling
Up to 30% of seniors have falling accidents every year. This is due to loss of balance, mobility, and coordination as we grow older. Chiropractic care for seniors focuses on minimizing spinal subluxations, which incorporates techniques and exercises to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Many senior patients suffer from chronic conditions. To help them manage this, they usually turn to chiropractic care as a primary or supplementary treatment option.
To confirm that chiropractic care is ideal for managing your chronic condition, please consult with your primary care physician.
Signs that Chiropractic Care for Seniors Is Needed
Loss of Mobility, Balance, and Coordination
Most seniors 65 years and older remain healthy and capable enough to enjoy life. However, this period is most likely when they begin to lose mobility, balance, and coordination. If you are around this age experiencing body aches and pain rendering you immobile, chiropractic care can help.
Routine chiropractic care utilizing spinal adjustment techniques can help seniors recover their level of mobility, so they can continue enjoying life.
Frequent Falling Accidents
This is another sign that a senior patient may need chiropractic care. Compared to other age groups, older people tend to have more falling accidents. If you find your senior loved one falling frequently, it may be time to get a professional evaluation from a chiropractor.
After a consultation with a chiropractor, you can address the possible causes of falling – whether it’s due to pain, immobility, or loss of balance. The chiropractor can then create a personalized care and treatment plan based on the assessment.
Chronic Pain
Any time an individual – no matter the age – experience severe and chronic pain, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.
Chiropractic care is proven to alleviate chronic pain symptoms. For older patients, a common spinal issue is inflammation.
Chiropractic care for seniors can relieve inflammation and tension, which can then reduce pain and discomfort.
Chiropractors know when to apply pressure, the amount of pressure needed, and what techniques to use in managing chronic pain.
Chiropractic Can Help Seniors
If your senior loved one has experienced or continuing to experience any of the above signs, it’s time to take them to a healthcare provider for proper assessment.
You may also consult with a chiropractor to see if this treatment is suitable for your elderly loved one.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.