As an older adult, you probably already see a few medical professionals regularly, since new health concerns and the need for more medical care are a natural part of aging.
You’re likely also dealing with more aches and pains than when you were younger, including chronic issues like back pain, neck pain, joint pain and decreased mobility.
While a lot of people chalk these pains up to aging and assume nothing much can be done, the truth is that many of these issues elderly patients face can be improved with proper chiropractic care.
So, before you write off the possibility of real pain relief and reach for that bottle of pain medicine, consider visiting a chiropractor who can help with the issues facing seniors.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of seeing a chiropractor for seniors.
Chiropractic Care Can Help Alleviate Acute and Chronic Pain in Seniors
Chiropractors offer many therapies that can help relieve pain in seniors, whether due to acute injury or chronic musculoskeletal issues.
Helpful chiropractic treatments for seniors include:
- Spinal manipulation/chiropractic adjustment
- Massage therapy
- Muscle and fascial activation techniques
- Hot and cold therapy
- Physical therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Posture and ergonomic training to correct biomechanical issues
- Stretching and exercise, including strength training for bone density as well as yoga and Pilates
A good chiropractor can assess your causes of pain, including common issues like osteoarthritis, and prescribe a chiropractic treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Chiropractic Can Reduce Reliance on Pain Medication
Studies show that older Americans are increasingly reliant on pain medicine for chronic aches and pains.
And despite the known side effects and dependency risks, almost 13% of those 65 and over have filled at least one opioid prescription in the past year.
However, with the help of regular chiropractic treatments, a lot of seniors find they can reduce or eliminate the need for painkillers for short and long-term pain management.
That’s because chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective, natural alternative to opioid use.
Even if you don’t rely on opioids for relief, chiropractic can reduce the need for over the counter pain medications, which carry their own set of risks.
A Chiropractor Can Help You Stay Active
It’s no secret that staying active is the key to healthy aging.
But many seniors find that repeat injuries and chronic aches and pains keep them from engaging in the healthy activities they should.
Regular chiropractic visits can help you stay active and healthy by fostering improved mobility and increasing your range of motion.
By regularly tending to your musculoskeletal health, your chiropractor can help you fight the loss of mobility and flexibility that comes with age and retain – or reclaim – your good health and independence.
Chiropractic Can Help Prevent Falls in Seniors
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in four people aged 65 and over suffers a fall in a given year.
An estimated 20% of these falls will cause a serious injury like a fracture or head trauma.
By improving your mobility, balance and flexibility, chiropractic can help reduce the risk of falls and all their associated risks.
Chiropractic Care Can Improve Overall Wellness as You Age
All of the above factors together have been shown to improve overall health and well-being in the elderly population.
When you combine those advantages of chiropractic for seniors with a holistic approach that includes things like diet and exercise advice, you get a recipe for all-around better health and healthy aging.
Want to Find Out More About the Benefits of Chiropractic for Seniors?
Dr. Brian Rush, DC specializes in a variety of chiropractic therapies that can help improve the lives of seniors.
Don’t wait to take the next step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle that will enhance your golden years.
Call Rush Chiropractic at 954-432-5006 now.
Dr. Rush is a 1994 graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Sports Science and Wellness.
Dr. Rush earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Life University in 2000 where he was honored with magna cum laude. Dr. Rush was born and raised in South Florida where he returned after graduation. He currently practices in Pembroke Pines where he owns and operates Rush Chiropractic and Rehab.