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Senior Health: Chiropractic Care Through the Aging Process

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

By Donna Stark

Chiropractic Care and Aging

As the years go by and the number of candles on our birthday cakes grow, it becomes increasingly apparent that time rarely sides with the well-being of our musculoskeletal system. Our joints become creaky, our ligaments become tight, and our bones become withered and unstable. For senior citizens, this transformation unfolds with a variety of issues, making each day either a good or bad surprise for the ones who dare to even move.

If you are entering the golden years of life or if you have family members who are already there, the following may be able to help you navigate these inevitable changes seamlessly.

How Does the Aging Process Affect the Musculoskeletal System?

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we age. However, we don’t always experience the same type of issues as our friends or family. Some changes are obvious and have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, while others are more subtle and rarely interfere with their daily routine. Depending on the day, you may experience one or the other -- you may even experience both -- which is why it is important to know what to expect.

Here’s a list of the most common issues older people may experience and the health implications they may cause.

  • Loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia)
  • Loss of bone mass and strength (osteopenia and osteoporosis)
  • Decreased number and size of muscle fibers (longer reaction times)
  • Decreased water content in tendons and cartilage (stiffness and arthritis)
  • Reduced flexibility, range of motion, and mobility (sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and other health conditions)

As if the effects of aging listed above aren’t challenging enough on their own, the winter season has the potential to exacerbate things even more. Along with Jack Frost and a snowman or two, winter can deliver serious health issues for seniors all across the country.

How Does the Cold Weather Affect the Health of Seniors?

The impact that winter can have on your overall health and wellness is dependent on the different factors of the season. Here are some of the ways these colder months of the year can affect you or your loved ones and what can be done to keep everyone safe.

  • Slips and falls - Rain, slush, snow, and ice increase the risk of accidental slips and falls. Wear supportive shoes with slip-resistant soles.
  • Balance and mobility - Colder temperatures can impact a person’s balance, flexibility, and overall mobility. Be sure to dress warmly, maintain a firm grip on handrails, and use a walker if necessary.
  • Hypothermia - Natural body heat decreases as it ages. You can prevent hypothermia by dressing in layers, wearing hats and gloves when outside, and keeping your home at least 68 degrees or higher
  • Cardiovascular issues - Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels. Give yourself a good layer of insulation so you can trap the heat and maintain a safe body temperature.
  • Chronic pain - Pain issues like arthritis tend to heighten during the winter months. Talk with your doctor about ways to treat it and find temporary relief with hand warmers and heating pads.
  • Cognitive function - Symptoms of dementia and depression often become more pronounced during winter. Reduce the risk of this happening with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and connections with others.

It’s important to be prepared for anything, especially during the aging process. If you are unsure of how to navigate these changes on your own (no matter what season you are in) reach out to your primary healthcare provider or visit your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic for advice and guidance.

Lifestyle Tips to Help During the Aging Process

Nobody ever said that aging was going to be easy, however, it doesn’t need to be as difficult as you imagine. There are several things you can do to stay active while improving your overall health and well-being.

  • Regular exercise - The less a person moves, the harder it becomes to restore function in the body, so aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Don’t forget to add some strength-training exercises into your routine at least twice a week.
  • Nutritious diet - Fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. Your bones and muscles will thank you for doing so.
  • Adequate sleep - Getting the recommended amount of sleep every night will help you make smart choices throughout the day and will also increase your energy levels so you can continue living your life to the fullest.
  • Healthcare appointments - See your doctors regularly and don’t skip out on your appointments! Maintaining great health requires proactive habits.

In addition to the lifestyle choices above, routine chiropractic care can also have a significant impact on the later years of your life. Chiropractic treatments can help by alleviating pain, increasing your ability to stay physically active, and improving the health and function of your musculoskeletal system.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help Maintain Musculoskeletal Health?

The hands-on spinal adjustments performed by chiropractors help to achieve proper alignment in the musculoskeletal system. This is important because an active and healthy body, no matter what its age, needs a well-functioning musculoskeletal system to support it.

Chiropractic care can also improve your overall well-being in many other ways. In fact, the benefits of chiropractic care may expand into every area of your life. Here are just a few examples.

  • Pain management - By gently aligning the spine, correcting joint dysfunction, and easing muscle tension and strain, chiropractic care helps to alleviate pain naturally
  • Future health issues - The risk of future joint degeneration (arthritis) and injuries is reduced when alignment issues are corrected and maintained
  • Balance - Regular adjustments can improve stability, balance, and coordination, which may reduce the risk of falls and injuries
  • Mobility - By improving range of motion, increasing flexibility, and strengthening muscles, mobility may be preserved
  • Sleep - Regular chiropractic adjustments promote quality sleep by easing muscle tension and reducing stress
  • Inflammation - Chiropractic care helps to lower inflammation, a known cause of pain and a trigger for many chronic health conditions
  • Overall well-being - Chiropractic care helps to restore optimal function to the body’s nervous system, which may improve your overall health and wellness

The benefits of chiropractic care are undeniable, but if you would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

Does Chiropractic Care Complement Other Treatment Plans?

Chiropractic care is known to work extremely well with other medical treatment plans, so be sure to ask your primary doctor about integrating it into your healthcare regimen too. It’s the easiest way to help achieve pain-free days, improve your body’s musculoskeletal health, and experience greater overall health and wellness.

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