The spine, the support for the entire body, from the top of the head to the toes,
from cognition to stenosis! Chiropractic embraces the spine of
all ages, but the older spine is especially adored.
Aging gracefully is more than just an expression; it's
a goal for many New Roads folks! However, as we age,
our bodies undergo changes that can affect our
quality of life. For older adults, tackling spinal health can
lead to improvements in general well-being. This is where New Roads Chiropractic Center
and our New Roads chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a column of bones.
It's a complex system that supports our entire body,
protecting the spinal cord and allowing
a wide variety of movements. Its health is essential
for preserving mobility, balance, and even cognitive
functions. As we age, our spines face several
challenges. Degeneration of the spinal discs, reduced bone density, and
the development of conditions such as spinal stenosis become more prevalent.
These conditions can lead to back pain, decreased
mobility, and even cognitive decline. Chiropractic
care concentrates on the musculoskeletal system, particularly
the spine. With complete treatment plans, chiropractors aim
to alleviate pain and enhance function. This approach
is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it addresses the root causes of numerous age-related spine
issues.
COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a disorder
that falls between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe
disorders like dementia. Symptoms consist of memory loss, trouble
with concentration, and challenges in doing
daily everyday jobs. While MCI doesn't always lead
to dementia, it can significantly impact 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 outcomes
were promising, showing improvements in brain function and
cognitive performance. This implies that chiropractic care can
positively influence cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help improve blood flow and nervous
system function, which are crucial for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may reducedecrease 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, primarily
in the lower back and legs. As a common issue among older
adults, managing spinal stenosis is crucial for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) stresses
the effectiveness of conservative care, including chiropractic treatments,
in managing lumbar spinal stenosis. The study revealed
that patients had significant pain relief and improved
mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use various
techniques to manage spinal stenosis, including
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 alleviate pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, decreasing pain and increasing
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be a key part of their pain management plan.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often leading to reduced mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one conducted by McNaughton
et al. (3), give valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
affect back pain over time. The study followed
older men with low back pain over 10 years, exposing
that regular chiropractic care significantly reduced pain and better
overall spine health. For older adults, this can translate into
fewer pain episodes and a more active, fulfilling life. Improved
mobility is one of the most significant benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults. By conserving
spinal health, individuals can have greater
freedom of movement, partake in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT New Roads Chiropractic Center
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 offers a head-to-toes holistic
approach to handling health challenges that accompany aging. From improving cognitive function to treating
spinal stenosis and chronic back pain, the benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-known. For those looking
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the best
time to take action. Whether you are an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, New Roads chiropractic care at New Roads Chiropractic Center can provide
the support and relief you need.
Schedule you’re your New Roads
chiropractic appointment with New Roads Chiropractic Center now!