As we age, we start to face unique health struggles like degenerative changes (arthritis), decreased flexibility, balance issues leading to falls, joint degeneration and decreased reaction time. These changes are not synonymous and can be prevented or even partially reversed with regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic care involves many different types of interventions, including preventive strategies. Here are some benefits we’ve seen.
Better overall health- When your spine is properly aligned, it increases communication between the brain and the rest of the body allowing it to monitor and repair the body more effectively. It also increases circulation which helps clean out toxins.
Spent fewer days in hospitals and nursing homes –“Chiropractic users were less likely to have been hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to report a better health status, more likely to exercise vigorously, and more like to be mobile in the community. In addition, they were less likely to use prescription drugs.” -Dr. Ian Coulter (Topics of Clinical Chiropractic – Chiropractic care for the Elderly)
Fall reduction- Falls are the leading cause of injuries and one of the leading causes of death in those age 65 and above. Of those who fall and require hospitalization, 40-50% lose their independence and enter a nursing home. Chiropractic care has shown to reduce the risk of falling. A study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concluded, patients 65 and older showed improvement in sensorimotor function and multisensory integration associated with fall risk and the physical component of quality of life improved in older adults receiving chiropractic care compared with control.
Improved Balance- Structures known as mechanoreceptors are located in the back of joints in the neck region and are responsible for providing the brain with vital information important for balance and coordination. This helps your brain understand where your limbs are functioning in space. As you age, these receptors may not function as efficiently, making it more difficult for your brain to understand how your body is moving through space. This can result in poor balance, more falls, and difficulty getting up or walking. Chiropractic care has been known to help improve the communication in the spine and improved the stimulation of the receptors and increase their effectiveness.
Increase Flexibility and Range of Motion- Chiropractic care has been shown to increase both flexibility and range of motion which translates into better quality of life, allowing people to continue doing the things that they enjoy.
Our mission, regardless of age, is to help people function at their best by removing interference and allowing the brain and body to communicate efficiently and effectively. For elderly, staying healthy and strong is very important to maintain vitality as the years go by. If you are wanting to function better and life your life to the fullest, please make sure to reach out to us here at Restoration Chiropractic.
Sources
Kelly R. Holt, BSc (Chiro), PhD. Heidi Haavik, BSc (Chiro), PhD. Arier Chi Lun Lee, PhD. Bernadette Murphy, DC, PhD. C. Raina Elley, MBChB, PhD. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care to Improve Sensorimotor Function Associated With Falls Risk in Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial
