The spine, the support for the entire 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's
a goal for many Groton folks! However, as we age,
our bodies undergo changes that can impact our
quality of life. For older adults, addressing spinal health can
lead to improvements in overall well-being. This is where Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
and our Groton chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a pillar of bones.
It's an intricate system that supports our entire body,
sheltering the spinal cord and allowing
a wide range 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 cognitive decline. Chiropractic
care concentrates on the musculoskeletal system, especially
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 many age-related spinal
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 doesn't always lead
to dementia, it can significantly affect 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, demonstrating improvements in brain function and
cognitive performance. This implies that chiropractic care can
positively influence cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help enhance blood flow and nervous
system function, which are vital for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may lower 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, putting pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, predominantly
in the lower back and legs. As a common issue among older
adults, managing spinal stenosis is crucial for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) highlights
the effectiveness of conservative care, with chiropractic care,
in managing lumbar spinal stenosis. The study revealed
that patients experienced significant pain relief and better
mobility over 12 months of care. Chiropractors use various
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 incorporates
stretching exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations.
These treatments work to alleviate pressure on the spinal
cord and nerves, decreasing pain and improving
function. For older adults, regular chiropractic care can be an
essential part of their pain management plan.
THE TRAJECTORY OF OLDER BACK PAIN PATIENTS
Back pain is a common complaint among older adults, often leading to reduced mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one done by McNaughton
et al. (3), provide valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
affect back pain over time. The study followed
older men with low back pain over ten years, revealing
that regular chiropractic care significantly decreased 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 significant benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults. By preserving
spinal health, individuals can have more
freedom of movement, participate in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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 offers 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 benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-documented. For those looking
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the perfect
time to take action. Whether you are an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, Groton chiropractic care at Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office can offer
the support and relief you need.
Schedule you’re your Groton
chiropractic appointment with Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office now!