Older Spines May Find Comfort and Clarity Again with Chiropractic Care
The spine, the support for the entire body, head to toe, cognition to spinal stenosis pain! Chiropractic embraces the spine of all ages, but the older spine is especially loved. Aging gracefully is more than just an expression; it's a goal for many Carrolltown folks! However, as we age, our bodies undergo changes that can impact our quality of life. For older adults, tackling spinal health can lead to improvements in general well-being. This is where Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation and our Carrolltown chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a pillar of bones. It's a complex system that supports our whole body, protecting the spinal cord and enabling a wide variety of movements. Its health is essential for maintaining mobility, balance, and even cognitive functions. As we get older, our spines encounter several challenges like disc degeneration, lower bone density, and such conditions as spinal stenosis. These conditions can lead to back pain, decreased mobility, and even cognitive decline. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. With comprehensive treatment plans, chiropractors aim to ease pain and improve function. This approach is particularly good for older adults, as it addresses the root causes of many age-related spine issues.
COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that falls between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe disorders like dementia. Symptoms consist of memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in doing daily tasks. While MCI doesn't always lead to dementia, it can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. A recent study by Ziloochi et al. (1) investigated the effects of chiropractic care on resting-state EEG of MCI patients. The results were promising, demonstrating improvements in brain function and cognitive performance. This suggests that chiropractic care can positively impact cognitive health in older adults. Chiropractic care can help enhance blood flow and nervous system function, which are crucial for cognitive health. Regular chiropractic care may lower symptoms of MCI, enhancing memory and cognitive function.
MANAGING SPINAL STENOSIS WITH CHIROPRACTIC
Spinal stenosis affects the spaces within the spine narrow, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, predominantly in the lower back and legs. As a common issue among older adults, handling spinal stenosis is crucial for maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) highlights the effectiveness of conservative care, including chiropractic care, in coping with lumbar spinal stenosis. The study found that patients got significant pain relief and better mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use various techniques to manage spinal stenosis, incorporating spinal manipulation like the gentle, research-documented, safe protocol in the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management that incorporates stretching exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations. These treatments aim to ease pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, decreasing pain and increasing function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be an essential part of their pain management strategy.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often resulting in decreased mobility and quality of life. Long-term studies, such as the one performed by McNaughton et al. (3), give valuable insights into how chiropractic care can impact back pain over time. The study studied older men with low back pain over 10 years, exposing that regular chiropractic care significantly decreased pain and improved overall spine health. For older adults, this can mean fewer pain episodes and a more active, fulfilling life. Improved mobility is one of the most noteworthy benefits of chiropractic care for older adults. By conserving spinal health, individuals can experience greater freedom of movement, participate in physical activities, and maintain their independence.
CONTACT Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Keith Bartley on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes spinal stenosis and how his use of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management helped his patient.
Chiropractic care delivers a head-to-toes holistic approach to handling health challenges that come with aging. From improving cognitive function to managing spinal stenosis and chronic back pain, the benefits of chiropractic care for older adults are well-documented. For those looking to investigate the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the best time to take action. Whether you are an older adult, a caregiver, or someone undergoing back pain or cognitive decline, Carrolltown chiropractic care at Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation can provide the support and relief you need.