The spine, the support for the whole body, head
to toe, cognition to spinal stenosis pain! Chiropractic loves the spine of
all ages, but the aging spine is especially loved.
Aging gracefully is more than just a phrase; it is
a goal for many Manchester folks! However, as we age,
our bodies go through 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 Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
and our Manchester chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a pillar of bones.
It's an intricate system that supports our whole body,
sheltering the spinal cord and enabling
a wide range of movements. Its health is essential
for preserving mobility, balance, and even cognitive
functions. As we age, our spines encounter several
challenges like disc degeneration, lower bone density, and such conditions as
spinal stenosis.
These conditions can lead to back pain, decreased
mobility, and even cognitive decline. Chiropractic
care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, especially
the spine. With comprehensive treatment plans, chiropractors aspire
to ease pain and enhance function. This approach
is particularly good for older adults, as it deals
with the root causes of many age-related spinal
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 tasks. While MCI doesn't always lead
to dementia, it can significantly affect an individual's quality
of life. A recent study by Ziloochi et al. (1) researched
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 implies that chiropractic care can
positively impact cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help boost blood flow and nervous
system function, which are crucial for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may lower symptoms of MCI, improiving
memory and cognitive function.
MANAGING SPINAL STENOSIS WITH CHIROPRACTIC
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the
spaces within the spine narrow, putting 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 frequent 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 coping with lumbar spinal stenosis. The study revealed
that patients had significant pain relief and improved
mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use a variety of
techniques to manage spinal stenosis, incorporating
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 work to ease pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, decreasing pain and improving
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be a key part of their pain management strategy.
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 performed by McNaughton
et al. (3), give valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
impact back pain over time. The study studied
older men with low back pain over ten 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 enjoy greater
freedom of movement, participate in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
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 managing 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 wanting
to investigate the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the perfect
time to do it. Whether you're an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, Manchester chiropractic care at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries can provide
the support and relief you need.
Make you’re your Manchester
chiropractic appointment with Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries now!