The spine, the support for the whole body, from the top of the head to the toes,
from cognition to stenosis! Chiropractic embraces the spine of
all ages, but the older spine is particularly loved.
Aging gracefully is more than just an expression; it is
a goal for many Plainville folks! However, as we age,
our bodies undergo changes that can affect our
quality of life. For older adults, addressing spinal health can
lead to improvements in general well-being. This is where Layden Chiropractic
and our Plainville chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a pillar of bones.
It's a complex system that supports our whole body,
sheltering the spinal cord and enabling
a wide variety of movements. Its health is essential
for preserving mobility, balance, and even cognitive
functions. As we get older, our spines face several
challenges. Degeneration of the spinal discs, reduced bone density, and
the development of conditions such as spinal stenosis become more prevalent.
These conditions can lead to back pain, decreased
mobility, and even decline in cognition. Chiropractic
care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly
the spine. With complete treatment plans, chiropractors aim
to alleviate pain and enhance function. This approach
is especially good for older adults, as it deals
with the root causes of numerous age-related spine
issues.
COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition
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 performing
daily tasks. While MCI does not always lead
to dementia, it can significantly impact 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 results
were promising, showing improvements in brain function and
cognitive performance. This suggests that chiropractic care can
positively impact cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help enhance blood flow and nervous
system function, which are crucial for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may reducedecrease symptoms of MCI, enhancing
memory and cognitive function.
MANAGING SPINAL STENOSIS WITH CHIROPRACTIC
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the
spaces within the spine narrow, exerting 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 common issue among older
adults, handling spinal stenosis is vital for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) stresses
the effectiveness of conservative care, including chiropractic treatments,
in managing lumbar spinal stenosis. The study found
that patients experienced 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 includes
stretching exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations.
These treatments work to ease pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, easing pain and increasing
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be a key part of their pain management plan.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often resulting
in decreased mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one performed by McNaughton
et al. (3), provide valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
impact back pain over time. The study evaluated
older men with low back pain over 10 years, revealing
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 noteworthy benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults. By preserving
spinal health, individuals can enjoy more
freedom of movement, partake in physical activities, and keep
their independence.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
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 delivers 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 advantages of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-documented. For those looking
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the best
time to take action. Whether you're an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, Plainville chiropractic care at Layden Chiropractic can offer
the support and relief you need.
Make you’re your Plainville
chiropractic appointment with Layden Chiropractic now!