Aging can be difficult as one navigates
new or existing health needs. Chiropractic treatment
can help aging Canadians maintain a pain-free and healthy life by providing
relief from musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain. Such conditions are often
associated with increasing age such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative
disc disease and spinal stenosis, among others.
Quality of Life
Musculoskeletal pain can affect almost every aspect
of life including compromised mobility, independent living, difficulty in daily
activities, and disturbed sleep patterns. The impact of these can be more
profound among aging Canadians, which can complicate day-to-day life. In fact,
chronic pain has been associated with disability and even depression.
Promptly addressing the root of the
issue is essential. Canadian chiropractors can help assess, diagnose, manage
and even prevent musculoskeletal conditions. Through a variety of non-invasive, gentle,
hands-on therapies, including conservative manual therapies, modalities,
exercise and rehabilitation and lifestyle counseling, chiropractors can help
reduce pain, restore mobility and increase quality of life in older patients.
Therapeutic exercise can produce remarkable outcomes in even the very elderly.
Building strength also improves balance and coordination, which are essential
in preventing falls.
A 2013 Rand study that compared
chiropractic patients and non-chiropractic patients aged 75 and up showed:
- 87% of chiropractic patients 75 years or older described their heath as good to excellent. Only 67% of non-chiropractic patients said the same.
- The chiropractic patients exercised more regularly and had fuller social lives. They were also less likely to use prescription drugs.
- Chiropractic patients reported:
- Fewer chronic conditions by 15%
- Fewer symptoms of arthritis by 22%
- Less time in nursing homes by 15%
- Less time in hospitals in the last three years by 21%
Sometimes the hardest part of managing musculoskeletal conditions is seeking care. Often, we fail to ask for help to avoid
burdening family, friends and caregivers. But, in many cases, Canadians may
have simply resigned themselves to live in pain because they think it is a
natural part of aging. However, help is available!
Resources
http://www.chiropractic.ca/blog/chiropractic-treatment-for-aging-canadians/
