4 Reasons the Elderly Should See a Chiropractor

As people age, their joints become more sore and stiff, they lose flexibility and have to put more effort into their health to stay well. Bone density decreases with age, weakening the skeletal structure and causing painful symptoms. Regularly visiting a chiropractor, however, can promote long-term health and pain relief for senior citizens. Chiropractic services offer safe intervention for the treatment of aches and pain stemming from musculoskeletal conditions, whether they are related to injuries, prolonged poor posture, or other causes.

Reduce Fall Risk

​People lose their strength and mobility as they age, putting them at higher risk of falls. As their muscles and joints weaken, they become more vulnerable to fall injuries such as broken hips, head injuries, and complications if they take blood thinners. 

Even if someone doesn’t injure themselves after falling, the experience might make them anxious about another fall. This anxiety can make them less likely to engage in physical activity, leading to more weakness in the joints and muscles, and an even greater likelihood of falling again.

Fortunately, chiropractics can improve balance, flexibility, and mobility. Elderly people can feel more confident and steady on their feet under the care of a chiropractic doctor. 

A Chiropractor Can Relieve Chronic Pain

Chronic inflammation is the number one reason for joint and muscle pain. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce chronic inflammation and lower back and joint pain. When the vertebrae in the spine are properly aligned, then the nerves can function properly. When they are pinched or out of alignment, the pain returns.
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A chiropractic adjustment can also align the joints that stabilize the body‘s biomechanics and return them to normal function. As a result, the brain slows or stops the production of neuropeptides, a chemical messenger that is crucial in regulating inflammatory processes throughout the body.

​Improved Mobility

​One of the most common complaints among the elderly is that they can’t move like they used to. A limited range of motion prevents someone from participating in their favorite activities and can stop them from doing daily tasks and leading an independent life. Chiropractors can help you move again.

When the range of motion is limited, it causes pain and discomfort. It also causes compensation patterns that can exacerbate symptoms. When you compensate for pain in one side of the body, you end up stressing the other side. For example, if you put pressure on one foot because the other hurts, eventually both feet will need to be checked by a chiropractor.

​Get More Joy Out Of Life

With greater balance and mobility, plus a reduction in pain, a person can enjoy their life more fully. Chiropractic care can improve your quality of life and keep you active longer. Nothing compares to the value of happiness. Chiropractic care is self-care.

What makes an elderly person more likely to fall?

A combination of risk factors that researchers have identified makes a person more likely to fall. Those risk factors include:

• Vitamin D deficiency
• Improper footwear
• Foot pain
• Vision problems
• Prescription medications like sedatives, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, and any other medicines that can affect balance or cause dizziness
• Living, working, or regularly volunteering on a property with hazards such as broken or uneven pavement or carpets that are easy to trip on