How Older Americans Can Benefit from Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care for the Elderly

Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain represent the primary reasons older Americans visit chiropractors annually. For many patients, chronic pain becomes a disease in its own right. Chiropractic care ranks among the most effective and safest forms of healthcare for treating pain stemming from spinal-related conditions. Its efficacy stems from the fact that most spinal disorders originate from abnormalities in the spine and surrounding soft tissue structures.

Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic specializes in identifying and treating subluxations (vertebral misalignments) and their subsequent effects on the central nervous system. While anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers merely mask symptoms, they carry numerous undesirable side effects.

The aging process itself explains why even active seniors experience such pain: muscles, spinal discs, facet joints, and ligaments become less hydrated, weaker, and less able to withstand normal stresses. Dr. Hinz's education and training in human body structure and function enable him to provide relief through hands-on techniques that enhance flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Increased Balance and Coordination

Many balance and coordination problems in aging populations stem from injury or degenerative changes to the cervical spine (neck region). Mechanoreceptors—structures located in the posterior joints of the cervical spine—provide the brain with essential information for balance and coordination.

These mechanoreceptors in cervical posterior joints supply major input regarding head position relative to the body. With aging, mild defects impair mechanoreceptor function, resulting in decreased proprioception (body awareness). As proprioception declines, body positioning in space becomes impaired, forcing patients to rely on vision to locate their limbs.

Studies demonstrate that chiropractic care restores balance and coordination by stimulating joint receptors (mechanoreceptors) in the cervical spine. This stimulation helps restore or normalize joint receptor functioning, leading to improvements in balance and coordination.

Osteoarthritic Pain and Dysfunction

When knees or hips act up, doctors of chiropractic can outline exercise programs—monitoring progress along the way—aimed at rehabilitating and strengthening specific muscle groups.

Overall Wellness

This represents "the wheelhouse of a chiropractor." Exercise, nutrition, alignment, and posture all fall within the scope of chiropractic guidance.

Increased Range of Motion of the Spine and Extremities

Chiropractic care repeatedly demonstrates increases not only in spine range of motion but also in the extremities. Expanding a person's range of motion positively affects lives in numerous ways. For some, increased mobility means bending down to pick up grandchildren. For others, it enables gardening without pain or gaining extra distance off the golf driver. In many instances, range of motion improvements occur immediately following chiropractic adjustments. This explains why many top professional sporting teams employ team chiropractors.

Decreased Incidence of Falling

Falling injuries occur extremely commonly in the elderly population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for 90% of the 850,000 bone fractures occurring annually among Americans over age 65. Chiropractors reduce fall risk by normalizing mechanoreceptors of the cervical spine through adjustments. They also prescribe stretching and exercise programs to increase strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and coordination.

Conclusion

Seniors need not suffer needlessly. Chiropractic provides remarkable benefits with an outstanding safety and effectiveness record. Contact Cool Springs Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment.

Cool Springs Chiropractic 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13 Franklin, TN 37067 Phone: 615-503-9900 Email: info@coolspringsfamilychiropractic.com