5 Ways the Elderly Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care
Most people aim to be as healthy and active as they can for as long as possible. However, maintaining a high quality of life can be a challenging goal to achieve as we enter our sunset years.
For this reason, many people turn to alternative avenues for enhancing well-being. One increasingly popular avenue among older adults for its potential benefits is senior chiropractic care.
In this blog, we aim to shed light on chiropractic treatment for elderly individuals: what it is, who it’s for, and its potential benefits for older adults.
What Is Chiropractic Treatment for Elderly Individuals?
Senior chiropractic care is chiropractic care specifically geared toward older adults. It is also sometimes referred to as geriatric chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care is a form of complementary medicine. It is based on the idea that the body possesses self-healing capabilities, which can be prompted or supported through hands-on manipulation of the spine by a trained doctor of chiropractic (DC) or chiropractor.
Meanwhile, chiropractic care for elderly individuals is tailored specifically to older adults’ unique needs and wellness challenges. A chiropractor creates and carries out treatment plans to address age-related conditions as well as support holistic health.
No medicine or surgery is involved, although a chiropractor for elderly adults may include modalities other than spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in a treatment plan. These may include:
- Exercise therapy
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional counseling
- Fall prevention
- Heat therapy
- Cryotherapy
The goals of chiropractic treatment for elderly adults are to:
- Support functional independence
- Manage disability
- Improve overall quality of life
Chiropractic Care for Elderly Individuals: 5 Major Benefits
Chiropractic care can offer a unique and natural approach to improving the well-being of older adults, addressing common age-related issues, and supporting a more active and fulfilling life.
Below are five key benefits of chiropractic care for elderly individuals:
1. Pain Relief
Chronic pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S., and it is even more prevalent in older populations. Research suggests that pain increases with advancing age.
Many older adults have conditions that can be very painful, such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, peripheral vascular diseases, and fibromyalgia. Pain in older adults can negatively impact an older adult’s life, leading to:
- Impaired mobility
- Social isolation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Impaired cognitive function
- Delayed healing and recovery
Chiropractic adjustments offer a targeted approach to pain relief, addressing the root cause rather than merely masking the symptoms. They provide a noninvasive way to relieve pain, complementing traditional treatments to alleviate discomfort effectively.
OIder adults with chronic pain are often prescribed opioid pain relievers. While more studies are needed, early research suggests that chiropractic care may help reduce an older adult’s need to take prescription pain medication. A chiropractor for elderly individuals can alleviate discomfort through gentle and precise adjustments, providing seniors with lasting relief.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility
Aging and the pain that often comes with age-related conditions often bring about a decline in mobility. Older adults may have limited range of motion and flexibility, which negatively affects their sense of independence and increases their risk of slipping and falling.
Chiropractic adjustments contribute to enhanced joint function and flexibility, enabling seniors to maintain a more active lifestyle. Alongside adjustments, chiropractors often recommend specific exercises and stretches tailored to seniors, empowering them to preserve and improve their mobility proactively.
3. Enhanced Balance and Coordination
The ability to maintain balance and coordination is vital in older adults. Seniors are more prone to slips and falls, and these accidents can result in life-altering and costly consequences for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 300,000 seniors are hospitalized for hip fractures annually. Over 95% of those hip fractures are caused by falls.
Falls can also cause head injuries, fractures in other parts of the body such as the wrists, ankles, and arms, as well as cuts and bruises. These injuries, along with hip fractures, make it even more difficult for older adults to get around, remain independent and do the activities they enjoy.
A chiropractor for seniors focuses on their patient’s musculoskeletal system, including spinal alignment and joint function. Gentle adjustments can help improve joint mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, contributing to better balance and coordination.
4. Boosted Immune System Function
Aging affects the immune system—as we age, it becomes slower to respond, and it takes longer to recover from injury or illness. To help reduce the risks of a weaker immune system, older adults are typically tasked by their physicians to:
- Get vaccinated against shingles, influenza, and other diseases
- Exercise more often
- Eat nutritious food
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Another way seniors can potentially support their immune system is to explore chiropractic care. While research on this connection is ongoing, some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments influence nerve function and inflammatory pathways, which could indirectly impact immune response.
5. Improved Overall Health and Well-being
From pain relief and enhanced mobility to improved balance and a stronger immune system, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health. Apart from the benefits to physical health, chiropractic care may also improve mood, relieve stress, and improve sleep, as well as lead to a more positive outlook and enhanced well-being.
Experience Holistic Healing Tailored to Your Needs
Chiropractic care can be a valuable and powerful component of a treatment plan for older adults. It supports holistic health, helping relieve pain, improve mobility, enhance balance, and boost the immune system so seniors can enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active lifestyle.
Brenner Chiropractic offers comprehensive and compassionate chiropractic care for seniors and individuals of all ages. Our practice is led by Dr. Russell Brenner, a highly experienced chiropractor. He is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the New York State Chiropractic Association.
Browse our services, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment.