Most Americans strive for a long and healthy life, and for seniors, this goal includes the desire to maintain their mobility, flexibility, and balance. Chiropractic care plays a big role in helping older adults achieve this quality of life. Regular adjustments from your chiropractor can help assist seniors who wish to lead active, fulfilling lives through preventive health care. Doing so may slow the onset of age-related conditions and help provide treatment for accidents and injuries.

Is chiropractic care safe for seniors?

About 15 percent of chiropractic patients are aged 65 and older, with most seeking treatment for musculoskeletal issues.

For elderly individuals who often have a wide range of health challenges, a chiropractor can serve as a member of their healthcare team, working alongside other medical providers. The benefits of adding chiropractic care to your healthcare regimen is the resulting emphasis on the importance of overall health and wellness, including advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. While chiropractic is not a replacement for traditional medical care for seniors, it can be an effective complement to help manage pain and improve musculoskeletal function.

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for seniors when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. It’s important for seniors to disclose to their chiropractor any pre-existing health conditions or medications. This will ensure their safety and helps to inform any advice their chiropractor may provide. Chiropractors can tailor their techniques to be gentler for older patients, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

How can chiropractic adjustments benefit seniors?

While some features of chiropractic treatment resemble those used in physical therapy, a chiropractor’s expertise is focused on spinal health and the impact of nervous system function on overall wellness. There are a wide range of modalities used by chiropractors to treat seniors seeking healthcare services, including:

  • Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)
  • Acupuncture
  • Exercise
  • Fall prevention

Most seniors seek chiropractic care for musculoskeletal pain, typically in their back and/or neck. SMT is effective in managing spinal and peripheral joint pain and dysfunction experienced by patients.

Chiropractors may use SMT to address symptoms of comorbidities, including:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • COPD
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Depression
  • Constipation
  • Urinary incontinence

How can chiropractic care help seniors manage chronic conditions?

Seniors often turn to chiropractors for a treatment plan following an auto collision or slip-and-fall accident, but routine chiropractic care is also ideal for treating osteoarthritis, sciatica, and spinal disc herniation. Experts in the relationship between structure and function, chiropractors offer a holistic approach to providing pain relief and increasing function, such as full range of motion.

Can a chiropractor treat arthritis?

An arthritic joint is an example of painful symptoms caused by a structural problem in the joint. A chiropractor can use an appropriate degree of force to align the joints in the treatment area and provide relief from chronic pain. Gentle manipulation of the soft tissue can relieve throbbing and restore function for the patient.

How is sciatica treated by a chiropractor?

In mild cases, people can reduce their symptoms by slowing down and minimizing movement. Caused by a pinched sciatic nerve, sciatica can cause pain in your lower back, hips, and down one or both legs. It can feel like an electric jolt or a throbbing ache, typically just on one side of the body, and it can be mild or severe.

A chiropractic consultation to address a patient’s sciatica may include such suggestions as:

  • Good posture
  • Sturdy shoes
  • No heavy lifting
  • Exercise

There’s no reason to doubt your ability to stay active, play sports, and travel during retirement. By incorporating chiropractic care into your routine, you can maintain a healthy body and enjoy your senior years to the fullest, free from the burden of health issues.

Posted in Chiropractic Care