I am often asked who should see a chiropractor, to this I answer everyone. Everyone should have a chiropractor as they have a family physician, dentist and optometrist.
One group of people who would particularly benefit from chiropractic care are our seniors. There are 3 major reasons seniors benefit from chiropractic care.
- Pain reduction
– As we age the prevalence of chronic neck, back and joint pain increases typically due to more wear and tear related osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce neck and back pain.
- Improved range of motion
– By using manual chiropractic treatment movement to the spine, hips, shoulders and knees can be improved enabling you to lose the stiffness in your joints that prevent or hinder you from performing the daily tasks you need to do and the recreational or social activities you enjoy doing.
- Reduce your risk of falling
- As we age we have an increased risk of falling and suffering serious injury as a result. Things like reduced leg strength, flexibility and co-ordination can increase our risk of falling.
As a chiropractor I will assess your fall risk using a 14 point test, provide strategies to prevent falling and provide treatment that helps to improve your balance. Lastly there are particular exercises that can easily be done at home that can improve balance, increase leg strength and thus reduce the risk of falling
As a chiropractor I will also help to manage/monitor other co-existing conditions that are more common as we get older.
For my senior patients who have high blood pressure I will periodically check their blood pressure and report to their family physician should something be amiss.
For patients who are diabetic, I will regularly assess their lower limb neurological function to monitor for neuropathy and the presence of emerging musculoskeletal conditions.
For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD(Chronic bronchitis/emphysema) chiropractic treatment of the mechanics of breathing ( rib cage, back, chest and neck musculature ) may improve breathing function and overall sense of well-being related to their condition.
