Chiropractic care is often thought of as an aggressive treatment option involving the “cracking” of joints. Many people think that only young, healthy people, such as athletes, can benefit from chiropractic care.
However, if this was true, chiropractors would only fill a very small niche in society. In reality, chiropractic care is safe for people of all types, in all stages of life: from infants to seniors. Plus, chiropractic treatments can provide significant assistance for these individuals, no matter what they may be suffering from.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how chiropractic care can specifically benefit older members of the population.
What are Common Conditions Affecting Older Patients?
As a general rule, when we get older, we are at higher risk for the development of nearly every different disease and disorder in the medical literature. This is true for multiple reasons. For one thing, some diseases, such as certain cancers, simply take a long time to grow and develop in our bodies. Other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, also take a long time to affect us, as this issue requires repeated exposure to stress and strain on the joints over many years.
Because of this, older individuals often require more extensive medical care than younger members of society. Specific examples of conditions that affect older individuals at higher frequencies include:
- Osteoporosis. Known as one of the most serious orthopedic conditions for seniors; osteoporosis makes the bones more brittle. Therefore, it’s much easier for people with osteoporosis to fracture bones throughout their body, leading to long-term disability and even, potentially, death.
- Back pain. Back pain is the most common orthopedic condition. It affects everyone, at every age, but is particularly problematic for older individuals.
- Sarcopenia. Age-related muscle loss is known as sarcopenia. This condition is controversial, in that some researchers question whether or not it is an inevitable phenomenon. However, it does appear that many older individuals become weaker and lose muscle mass as they age.
- Knee and other joint pain. In general, joint pain is very common in older folks.
As you might imagine, the list could go on and on. But the above orthopedic conditions are some of the most commonly seen issues in this population.
What are Common Treatments for Conditions Affecting Seniors?
For the most part, specific treatments for seniors will depend largely on the condition in question. Case in point, a senior with osteopenia may receive vastly different treatment than an individual with generalized joint pain.
However, to speak generally, we can say that there are a few different options when it comes to treatment for conditions affecting seniors. For example, there are many medications that can address disorders seen in this population.
That being said, we, as a society, are often overmedicated. Therefore, it’s a good idea to seek natural remedies for medical issues, whenever possible.
Exercise and physical activity serve as great natural treatment options for many of the issues that commonly affect seniors. Additionally, chiropractic care can provide significant relief for seniors who are dealing with painful conditions.
Chiropractic Care for Seniors
As was mentioned earlier, chiropractic care is appropriate for patients of all ages. In fact, chiropractic care can be especially helpful for seniors.
The stiffness and decreased range of motion that often come with our later years can be effectively addressed through spinal adjustments performed by a chiropractor.
Are you a senior who is looking for a natural solution to your painful issues? Look no further than Awaken Chiropractic, the go-to Parker chiropractors. We would be thrilled to help you today. Schedule your first session now!
