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 aging spine is especially adored.
Aging gracefully is more than just a phrase; it's
a goal for many Sitka folks! However, as we age,
our bodies go through changes that can affect our
quality of life. For older adults, addressing spinal health can
lead to improvements in overall well-being. This is where Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
and our Sitka chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a column of bones.
It's an intricate system that supports our whole body,
protecting the spinal cord and permitting
a wide range of movements. Its health is vital
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 cognitive decline. Chiropractic
care concentrates on the musculoskeletal system, particularly
the spine. With complete treatment plans, chiropractors aim
to ease pain and improve function. This approach
is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it addresses the root causes of numerous age-related spinal
issues.
COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a disorder
that falls between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe
disorders like dementia. Symptoms consist of memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in performing
daily everyday jobs. While MCI does not always lead
to dementia, it can significantly affect an individual's quality
of life. A recent study by Ziloochi et al. (1) investigated
the effects of chiropractic care on resting-state EEG of MCI patients. The outcomes
were promising, demonstrating improvements in brain function and
cognitive performance. This suggests that chiropractic care can
positively impact cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help boost blood flow and nervous
system function, which are crucial for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may reducedecrease symptoms of MCI, improiving
memory and cognitive function.
MANAGING SPINAL STENOSIS WITH CHIROPRACTIC
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the
spaces within the spine narrow, putting 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 frequent issue among older
adults, handling spinal stenosis is crucial for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) stresses
the effectiveness of conservative care, including chiropractic care,
in dealing with lumbar spinal stenosis. The study found
that patients experienced significant pain relief and better
mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use various
techniques to contain 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 aim to ease pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, easing pain and increasing
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be an
essential part of their pain management strategy.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often leading to decreased mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one performed by McNaughton
et al. (3), give valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
impact back pain over time. The study evaluated
older men with low back pain over 10 years, exposing
that regular chiropractic care significantly decreased pain and improved
overall spine health. For older adults, this can translate into
fewer pain episodes and a more active, fulfilling life. Better
mobility is one of the most significant benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults. By maintaining
spinal health, individuals can enjoy greater
freedom of movement, partake in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Keith Bartley on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes 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 accompany aging. From improving cognitive function to managing
spinal stenosis and chronic back pain, the advantages of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-documented. For those wanting
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the perfect
time to do it. Whether you're an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone undergoing back pain or cognitive
decline, Sitka chiropractic care at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka can offer
the support and relief you need.
Make you’re your Sitka
chiropractic appointment with Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka now!