Chiropractic care is helpful for Seniors. As people gracefully embrace their golden years and prepare to enjoy their retirement, they also begin to worry about the possibility of days filled with aches and pain. The advancements in medical technology have blessed us with a long life-span, but it is important to stay healthy during these years so that you can enjoy your retirement.

At an age where people want to spoil their grandchildren, travel the world, and indulge in their hobbies, they do not want to be in pain. However, the unfortunate reality of an aging body is that it may increase the likelihood of aches or pains.

Some people may accept their fate and resign themselves to a life of limited mobility and chronic pain, but life does not have to be like this. It is possible for life to be enriching and fulfilling, even in the later years. Whether you are a senior or have a cherished senior member in your family, this article will explain how Chiropractic Therapy could be the answer to treating or preventing pain as we age.

What Is Chiropractic Therapy?

Chiropractic therapy is an form of rehabilitative medicine. This branch of therapy focuses on maintaining the balance of the body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use a range of manual manipulation techniques and devices to ease the affected areas, regain mobility and function, and provide relief from pain.

Some of the benefits of undergoing chiropractic treatment for seniors are as follows:

1. Restoring Balance And Coordination 

One of the primary worries of aging is the loss of balance and coordination which may lead to falls. This loss can be due to other ailments or simply a natural degeneration of the soft tissues. Through manual manipulation therapy, a chiropractor will stimulate the affected points in the spine and limbs. They will also gently guide the patients through various exercises specific to their needs. These exercises will be designed to help regain balance and mobility. An added benefit is that better balance will help prevent slips or falls that many seniors are prone to having. Better balance may also improve your ability to walk without aids and maintain independence in your daily activities.

2. Relief From Arthritic Pain 

Many elderly patients complain about pain in their hips and knees. One cause of this pain can be osteoarthritis — a type of arthritis caused by the wearing down of the soft and flexible tissues within the joints. Osteoarthritis is a non-reversible degenerative condition. However, a chiropractor can help minimize the pain by strengthening the tissues surrounding the affected joints and restore motion. This noticeable reduction in pain of the hips and knees can prevent secondary pain in the back from poor gait.

3. Improved Range Of Motion 

Chiropractic treatment helps improve the range of motion of the spine. This improvement directly results in minimizing pain that was caused by stiffness. Increased range of motion can enhance a person's ability to carry out simple daily tasks such as picking something up from the ground, bending or squatting while gardening, or taking something down from a higher shelf. Being able to perform these movements can be necessary in permitting a senior citizen to live independently.

4. Reduces Aches and Pains 

Regular chiropractic care will review the posture of the spine. Posture correction could result in improved mobility in the spine which is a big part of the well-being of the body. Chiropractic care’s effect on keeping the body functioning normally helps boost overall health. For senior citizens, this could mean that there could be improved confidence that doing everyday tasks will not increase their aches and pains.

5. Non-invasive Form Of Treatment

Beyond a certain age, doctors may recommend patients avoid undergoing elective surgeries for managing pain as both the surgical procedure and post-surgical recovery may be riskier with age or detrimental to the patient's health. In such scenarios, chiropractic therapy may be an alternative option for pain management. Chiropractic care utilizes many differentt techniques on the affected limbs, joints, or muscles. The chiropractor will also be attentive towards the patient's age and current fitness level in order to suggest a course of therapy conducive to the patient.

6. Medication-Free Treatment

As we age, there is a greater chance that we may be taking some form of prescription medication. Prescription medication is important and necessary in some instances when treating disease. In many instances, chiropractic treatment is considered an important drug free option to reduce life's everyday aches and pains. Your chiropractor will use manual therapy along with many other therapeutic devices to help minimize your pain and provide relief.

7. Improved Life Quality 

Regularly undergoing chiropractic care helps better the quality of life for a senior person. There have been many studies that support this fact. As you improve your overall health, there are fewer visits to the doctor or stays in the hospital. Furthermore, an increasing number of patients have been able to avoid  assisted living homes, as they are able to lead a more independent life in their golden years. This self-reliance is possible as you become able to manage essential activities, such as cooking, purchasing groceries, cleaning up, or dressing without assistance. This independent lifestyle, even at an advanced age, is a key benefit that can result from chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic care can help enable independent living and a life free of pain.

Summary

Your post-retirement life should be like a second lease on life. It is a time where you may find personal fulfillment when you are free to focus on your goals and dreams. Pain of any sort, chronic or otherwise, should not impede your life. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, it is valuable to consult a chiropractor. They can not only help treat you for pain, but also offer corrective and preventative care education to safeguard you from other future musculoskeletal complaints.