Chiropractics and the Aging Population
The United States now joins the ranks of countries like Japan and Germany with a population that is aging rapidly. The elderly population is already relatively high, but the numbers will just keep increasing due to the generational distribution of our population structure.
A key data point that gives us an idea of where the aging population is headed, has been provided by the United States department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging. A new report claims that between the years of 2000 and 2030, the number of people that are aged 65 years or older will have double, increasing from roughly 12% to 19% of the total population. Along with this nationwide aging process come various different health conditions, specifically geriatric problems.
The chiropractic community is trying to convey to the elderly population that there is no need to worry. Chiropractic professionals believe that spinal adjustments, and other chiropractic treatment techniques can reduce the effects of aging on the body and provide the musculoskeletal with the level of stability that it requires to function properly, even in old age.
Back pain, neck pain, and various types of arthritis are key maladies that afflict elderly people as they move towards the nationally established age marker of 65. By this point, the spine has endured a lot of stress, the muscles supporting the spine have weakened, the misalignment has led to the swaying and instability of the neck, and all of this strain has caused inflammation of many of the joints involved. These musculoskeletal problems are all interconnected and many assert that chiropractic care can help these separate systems work together cohesively to form a more structurally sound range of motion and resting position.
Chiropractors have found that when treating elderly patients with chiropractic care, an emphasis should be place on the comfort of the table that the patient is being treated on. The more plush and comfortable the table is, the more smooth of an adjustment the chiropractor is able to make without being as invasive as needed with other patients.
In addition to the treatment table’s structure, nutrition and education are key components of promoting positive health outcomes in the elderly. Much has changed in the medical community and not every member of the elderly population is up to date on the current state of affairs in treatment options and health promotion. Awareness should be incorporated into the patient’s care module both before and after treatment.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Sjoerd Lammers street photography