How Can Chiropractic Care Help the Elderly?

The elderly form a large population here in South Florida, and many of them struggle with neck and back pain, lack of/complete loss of range of motion, as well as many other ailments that can traditionally be helped by chiropractors. There are many myths out there about chiropractic not being able to help the elderly. In reality, when done correctly and clinically accurate, this treatment is very effective and safe, especially when compared to drugs and surgery. Chiropractors can assist the elderly with a wide number of problems, such as pain relief, decreased joint and disc degeneration, immune system function, and increased range of motion, just to name a few. 

It is generally true that elderly people have more spinal, joint and disc degeneration than, say, a person in their 30s or 40s. As we get older, we put our bodies under more cumulative stress, joints and bones become weaker, and sometimes the spine starts to break down. This is where chiropractors come in. From a clinical standpoint, it is very important for a chiropractor to be very diligent and gently when treating the elderly. As stated before, joints are weaker, as well as bones, arteries, nerves, veins, etc. It is always of the utmost importance to be aware of contradictions to care, as well as any spinal issues that could interfere with a patients’ treatment or make it less effective. This is especially true of the elderly, as conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, joint replacements, etc. Often times, chiropractors have to usual more gentle (but still effective) methods of treatment. Instrument adjusting often replaces “manual” adjustments, as sometimes the joint simply cannot handle a manual adjustment. Despite this, there are always different methods and therapies that can be effective, even in a weaker, older spine. 

Chiropractic care can be effective for life-changing for a range of ages, from a newborn to a centenarian. Obviously, treatment procedures and techniques vary from person to person depending on a multitude of things, such as age, physical condition, health. One thing is certain, chiropractic care can help everybody!