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 particularly loved.
Aging gracefully is more than just a phrase; it is
a goal for many Carrolltown folks! However, as we grow older,
our bodies go through changes that can affect our
quality of life. For older adults, addressing spinal health can
lead to improvements in overall well-being. This is where Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
and our Carrolltown chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a column of bones.
It's an intricate system that supports our whole body,
protecting the spinal cord and permitting
a wide variety of movements. Its health is vital
for preserving mobility, balance, and even cognitive
functions. As we get older, 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 issues can lead to back pain, lowered
mobility, and even cognitive decline. Chiropractic
care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly
the spine. With comprehensive treatment plans, chiropractors aspire
to alleviate pain and improve function. This approach
is especially beneficial for older adults, as it addresses the root causes of many age-related spine
issues.
COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition
that falls between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe
disorders like dementia. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in doing
daily tasks. 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) studied
the effects of chiropractic care on resting-state EEG of MCI patients. The outcomes
were promising, demonstrating improvements in brain function and
cognitive performance. This suggests that chiropractic care can
positively influence cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help enhance blood flow and nervous
system function, which are vital for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may lower 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, handling spinal stenosis is vital for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) highlights
the effectiveness of conservative care, with chiropractic treatments,
in coping with lumbar spinal stenosis. The study revealed
that patients got significant pain relief and improved
mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use various
techniques to contain spinal stenosis, incorporating
spinal manipulation like the gentle, research-documented, safe protocol in the
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management that includes
stretching exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations.
These treatments work to ease pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, easing pain and increasing
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be an
essential part of their pain management plan.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often resulting
in reduced mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one conducted by McNaughton
et al. (3), provide valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
affect back pain over time. The study studied
older men with low back pain over 10 years, revealing
that regular chiropractic care significantly reduced pain and improved
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 noteworthy benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults. By conserving
spinal health, individuals can enjoy better
freedom of movement, participate in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Keith Bartley on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates 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 come
with 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 investigate the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the perfect
time to do it. Whether you are an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, Carrolltown chiropractic care at Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation can offer
the support and relief you need.
Schedule you’re your Carrolltown
chiropractic appointment with Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation now!