A new literature review discussed the efficacy of chiropractic care for older adults.
With aging comes a number of new aches and pains. Unfortunately, research shows that although older adults are more likely to experience back pain, they are less likely to seek care for their pain than younger adults. It’s important to know that you don’t have to resign yourself to a life filled with pain.
Chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment for a variety of conditions associated with aging. Research shows that chiropractic can help back, neck, and joint pain; dizziness; or pain from osteoarthritis, scoliosis, and spinal degeneration. A 2009 study found that older patients receiving chiropractic adjustments experience significantly less disability and pain compared to patients not receiving chiropractic.
Chiropractic works best when combined with exercise and nutrition. A recent study of older adults showed that those involved in physical activity had substantially less pain-related disability than non-active adults. By improving balance, gait, and strength, exercise and chiropractic can also play an important role in fall prevention.
The researchers pointed out that adequate nutrition and supplementation can also support fall prevention. Your chiropractor can coach you in making the right dietary and vitamin choices.
Chiropractic care is more than just treating pain. It’s also about helping you lead a fulfilling, healthy life – regardless of age.
Dougherty PE, Hawk C, and Weiner D, et al. The role of chiropractic care in older adults. Chiropractic and Manual Therapies 2012; 20 (3): doi:10.1186/2045-709X-20-3.
Hondras MA, Long CR, Cao Y, Rowell RM, Meeker WC. A randomized controlledtrial comparing 2 types of spinal manipulation and minimal conservative medical care for adults 55 years and older with subacute or chronic low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapy 2009; 32:330–343.
Hicks GE, Benvenuti F, Fiaschi V, Lombardi B, Segenni L, Stuart M, Pretzer-Aboff I, Gianfranco G, Macchi C. Adherence to a community-based exercise program is a strong predictor of improved back pain status in older adults: an observational study. Clinical Journal of Pain 2012; 28(3):195-203.
