With advanced age comes a trove of experience, wisdom, and, more often than not, physical pain. Getting weaker bones and joints is inevitable the older you become, as it’s the natural deterioration process. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try methods to relieve the pain to strengthen your body, one of which is chiropractic care.
Having regular check-ups with a physician is a given once a person reaches their golden years, but not every older adult considers visiting a chiropractor. You might think there’s no need for you to visit one since there may be risks with having someone manipulate your old bones and joints. But chiropractic care may prove safe and effective for someone of your age.
If you’re still considering getting chiropractic care for your body pain, keep reading to learn why it could be the best treatment for you.
What Is Chiropractic Care
Firstly, you need to know what chiropractic care is. It’s not as simple as getting a back massage at the spa. It’s a hands-on, non-invasive treatment involving musculoskeletal manipulation to realign the body. Some theories claim that spinal realignment helps the body heal better and faster without needing medication or surgery.
Professional chiropractors finish at least seven years of academic and clinical education to ensure they provide appropriate patient care. They treat common physical conditions like back and neck pain, sprains, strains, and sports-related injuries. So, you could find people of all ages, not just adults, getting proper chiropractic care for various conditions.
When looking for chiropractic clinics, it’s crucial that you only visit registered chiropractors. This is an example of a great site you can check to learn more about accredited chiropractic care and the clinic’s available services. There is a danger to receiving chiropractic care from unlicensed individuals as they may worsen your condition and speed up bone damage. By choosing a reputable clinic and chiropractor, you can be assured you’re getting safe and quality treatment.
Reasons To Visit A Chiropractor
Some people, no matter what age, tend to skip visiting a therapist or a chiropractor if they feel mild body pain. The fear of getting hurt more or being reprimanded for ignoring their health does that sometimes. For an older adult, you must have yourself checked if you feel like something’s wrong.
If you experience the following issues, you may need to see your local chiropractor as soon as possible:
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Frequent falling
Compared to younger adults, people in their senior years have a higher risk of falling due to various age and health-related causes. If you notice your knees buckling more often than usual, that might signify a joint problem. You may have to visit a doctor for an assessment before going to a chiropractor for possible treatment.
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Severe chronic pain
Chronic pain in older adults may sometimes manifest from a spinal misalignment. When your spine is not in its proper position, the rest of your body will have difficulty receiving information from your brain, resulting in pain. If you leave it unattended for an extended period, it becomes chronic pain.
A chiropractor can help avoid or alleviate chronic issues by restoring nerve communication and manipulating spinal misalignments back to normal. Since you’re much older, they may put lighter pressure on you for muscle tension relief so as not to add more problems to your body.
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Immobility
Older people can still move around past 60 and sometimes past 80. Most may need a walking cane for assistance. But if you have one and still have trouble moving, that might be a sign of pain in your back or legs. Often, an experienced chiropractor can treat these issues. Massage methods during chiropractic sessions could bring back your mobility to a degree.
Physical weakness at your older age is usual, but the longer it lasts, it could be at risk for other issues. Hence, the moment you feel discomfort, especially on your back and joints, it’s wise to visit a chiropractor. Sessions are safe and adjusted to your medical needs. So, it’s acceptable for all ages, even those over 80, since no surgical procedures or drugs are involved.
Another effective option to address immobility, particularly one that resulted from a serious spine problem, is consulting a spine specialist for an extensive assessment. This professional uses the latest technologies. Hence, you don’t have to worry about invasive procedures that usually take many hours to perform with several days spent in the hospital. With minimally invasive or endoscopic spine surgery, you can fix your spine problem with an overnight hospital stay. Some patients go home the same day.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
The idea of undergoing chiropractic care at an advanced age sounds intimidating. But many medical professionals believe in the efficacy of the sessions. Therefore, your doctor may recommend you to a chiropractor to help treat your body pain.
Chiropractic care provides several significant benefits for patients, even those who are older. Among them include:
- Pain relief
- Improved mobility and balance
- Decreased risk of falling
- Increased wellbeing
- Additional treatment for chronic conditions without side effects
Aside from taking the necessary steps to improve health, seniors can also benefit from some chiropractic sessions catered to their needs. Not only is it safe, but its long-term effects may help avoid future complications.
A chiropractic session for seniors typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their condition. During the session, the chiropractor will perform a physical exam and discuss the patient’s symptoms. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to better understand the patient’s condition. Once the chiropractor has a diagnosis, they’ll develop a treatment plan that may include adjustments, massage, or other therapies.
Chiropractic care can benefit seniors, as it can help improve their range of motion, reduce pain, and improve overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a cure for all illnesses. Thus, seeing a doctor if you’re experiencing serious health problems is important.
A single chiropractic session costs between USD$30 and USD$200, depending on the type of care you need. For example, a session that includes adjustments and massage will cost more than one that only includes adjustments. However, some chiropractors offer packages or discounts for multiple visits.
So, if you’re considering seeing a chiropractor, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several prospects before making a decision. You can also ask your insurance company if they cover chiropractic care.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is one of the safest body realignment and pain alleviation methods. The risks of getting severe issues after a few sessions are pretty low. So, despite being older, you’re not likely to suffer immense pain when treated by an accredited practitioner. If you get side effects from treatment, they’re often minor and only last a few days. Overall, chiropractic care is safe and effective for older adults, and the positive results could last for years.
