Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care?

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Donna Stark

While many people believe that chiropractic care is exclusively for athletes and individuals with injuries, the truth is that it may provide benefits to people of all ages and walks of life. From babies that were just born to those who have decades of life under their belt, many people can reap the rewards that come from it.

Routine chiropractic care is a versatile healthcare option that empowers individuals to take charge of their overall health and wellness and live their best lives.

What Does Chiropractic Treat?

The chiropractic lifestyle is about preserving balance within the body and supporting maximum physical performance. More specifically, chiropractic care is a hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on spinal manipulations to improve health and wellness. A spine that is out of alignment can wreak havoc on the body and significantly impact the function of the body’s nervous system and joints. Because the nervous system regulates and controls every function in the body, and because we need our joints for the ability to move and get around in life, maintaining proper spinal alignment is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal health and wellness.

Chiropractic care can help with many different health issues ranging from supporting proper joint development in children to chronic pain issues in adults.

Let’s look at who can benefit from chiropractic and how it can positively impact an individual’s well-being.

Chiropractic Care for Infants

Parents can do more than just wish for good health for their infants. With routine chiropractic care, they can help ensure it. Why would a baby need an adjustment? Because the birth process can be quite traumatic to a baby’s spine, especially the neck.

Your pediatric chiropractor -- who may be your regular chiropractor -- will start your little one’s life with a perfectly aligned spine that may lead to more restful sleep, improved mobility and some studies suggest improved digestion, fewer ear infections, and a reduced chance of colic. Worried about the adjustments? Don’t be! The adjustments the chiropractor performs are incredibly light and gentle, similar to how one would test the ripeness of a peach at the local grocery store.

Chiropractic Care for Children, Teens, and Young Adults

Do you have any children in your life who are active and, let’s be honest, a little bit reckless at times? Most of us do, which is why regular chiropractic care is important. Parents love chiropractic care because it involves examinations and treatments without the use of prescription medications and invasive procedures. Routine adjustments may improve an older child’s overall health by supporting the nervous system, improving sleep, correcting poor posture, and improving ADHD symptoms.

Chiropractic care for teens and young adults often looks a bit different from that given to younger children, but it is equally crucial for maintaining their overall well-being. One of the most impactful ways that chiropractic care can benefit this age group is by improving athletic performance, helping to prevent injury to soft tissue, bones, and joints, and speeding up the recovery time of past injuries. This is particularly important at this stage of life because many teens and young adults are involved in sports and other physical activities.

In addition to the above, chiropractic treatment can help younger patients manage symptoms of chronic pain issues, such as growing pains, headaches and migraines, and scoliosis.

Chiropractic Care for Adults

Moving on to the really big kids now, or as some people would say -- adults. If you have subjected your body to years of abuse (and who hasn’t?), chiropractic care is a must! The adjustments reserved for older adults can help alleviate many of the daily aches and pains we commonly inflict on ourselves. If you worked out without stretching, lifted something just a tad too heavy in the garage, or simply twisted your body the wrong way while getting dressed, your chiropractor can help. Chiropractic care can also help alleviate the symptoms associated with sciatica, fibromyalgia, bursitis, and that dreaded back and neck pain so many people suffer from. On top of that, it can reduce the risk of serious health issues and slow the progression of joint degeneration.

Chiropractic Care for Seniors

Since our bodies tend to become weaker as we age, many people assume that chiropractic care is unsafe for seniors. That assumption is wrong. However, before we talk about chiropractic care for seniors, it’s important to note that one should always include their primary physician in any treatment decisions they make. That said, chiropractic care is completely appropriate and an effective way to treat and manage many of the health conditions elderly patients face each day.

The benefits of chiropractic care for seniors may include the following:

• Reduced joint stiffness and pain
• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Improved mobility and balance (which encourages a more independent lifestyle)
• Decreased risk of falls and serious injury
• Enhanced function of the nervous system (which can aid in the treatment of severe depression)

Chiropractic care can be a vital resource for seniors to utilize, not only because chiropractors may offer valuable guidance on healthy eating, safe exercise, and proper stretching techniques, but also because they will help their patients understand some of the significant changes that occur throughout the aging process.

Chiropractic Treatments and Tools

Chiropractic treatments are always personalized for each patient and are dependent on their age, physical condition, and specific health requirements. Chiropractors also use a variety of specialized tools and techniques during these treatments. Two of the most common tools are the drop table (a table with sections that are raised and then dropped, allowing gravity to assist in the adjustment) and an activator adjustment tool (a hand-held device that provides a quick, low-force pulse on a very specific spot on the body).

If you are concerned about how your adjustment will proceed or about any of the tools your chiropractor decides to use, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your chiropractor will take the time to walk you through the entire process and help you become more comfortable with the treatment.

Chiropractic Care for An Improved Quality of Life

According to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 35 million children and adults receive chiropractic care each year. If you want to improve your overall wellness, reduce some of those aches and pains, and enjoy an improved quality of life, visit the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today. While you are at it, don’t forget to bring your family members too! It's one of the best ways to get everyone on the path to optimal well-being.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.