2 MINUTE READ
Older adults begin to face unique health struggles that Chiropractic care is specially equipped to address. Older people suffer from arthritis, decreased flexibility, brittle bones, poor balance and joint degeneration. Regular visits with a chiropractor can enhance the lives of elderly patients in 5 specific ways.
- Immune system and overall health
When your spine is properly aligned, it increases circulation which helps clean out toxins from your body. It also allows the brain to communicate fully with all parts of your body, allowing it to monitor and repair the body more effectively. One study has shown a 200% increase in immune system function for adults who regularly see a chiropractor over the course of 5 years. - Pain relief
Back pain in elderly patients is often a result of osteoarthritis or spinal compression fractures. As you age, bone density decreases, which can cause fractures to the bones in the course of everyday tasks. If your back is not aligned, it places increased pressure on vertebrae and can increase your risk of a fracture. Spinal manipulation and massage can help ease the pain from osteoarthritis by relieving pressure from the joints between vertebrae. - Balance and coordination
Small receptors at the base of the cervical spine help your brain understand where your limbs are functioning in space. As you age, these receptors don’t function as efficiently as before, making it more difficult to understand how your body is moving through space. This results in more falls, poor balance, and difficulty in getting up or walking. Chiropractic care helps to improve the communication in the spine and has been shown to stimulate the receptors and increase their effectiveness. (June 15:67-94.Guyton, MD. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1996; 714) - Flexibility and range of motion
In 2001, an Australian study proved that regular chiropractic adjustments could increase the range of motion for patients. As patients age, helping them maintain their flexibility and range of motion translates into better quality of life. They are able to continue doing the things they enjoy and are less likely to develop pain from those activities. - Quality of Life
Dr. Ian Coulter studied the effects of regular chiropractic care among elderly populations and found a shocking increase in the quality of life of patients. Patients he followed reported these amazing benefits from their chiropractic care:- 22% less likely to suffer from arthritis
- more likely to exercise
- much less likely to move to a nursing home (5% of those who had chiropractic care vs. 48% of those who did not)
- Decreased incidence of hospital stays
Chiropractic care is an essential cornerstone of both preventive and palliative care. As adults age and their health begins to decline, it is even more essential that they safeguard their health with regular chiropractic maintenance.
As a chiropractor in San Jose, our whole mission is to give you the tools to become a better version of yourself. If any pains or aches are bothering you, please make sure you reach out to us!
Mar 08, 2022 at 6:21 AM
Usually, I never comment on blogs, but your article is so convincing that I become unable to stop myself from saying something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.
May 17, 2022 at 2:25 AM
I like that you mentioned how chiropractic care could relieve some body pains. My grandfather has been complaining about back pains recently despite not doing any strenuous work, so I've been really worried about him. I think I should book a chiropractor for him and see if it would help with his back.
Nov 15, 2022 at 3:32 AM
Thank you for mentioning that chiropractic adjustments have been shown to stimulate receptors and boost their effectiveness while also assisting with improved spinal communication. My granddad reported experiencing lower back pain. I'll seek out a chiropractor to treat my back pain.