The spine, the support for the whole body, head
to toe, cognition to spinal stenosis pain! Chiropractic loves the spine of
all ages, but the older spine is especially adored.
Aging gracefully is more than just a phrase; it's
a goal for many Vancouver folks! However, as we grow older,
our bodies go through changes that can impact our
quality of life. For older adults, tackling spinal health can
lead to improvements in general well-being. This is where Vancouver Disc Centers
and our Vancouver 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 permitting
a wide range of movements. Its health is vital
for preserving mobility, balance, and even cognitive
functions. As we get older, our spines encounter several
challenges like disc degeneration, lower bone density, and such conditions as
spinal stenosis.
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 comprehensive treatment plans, chiropractors aspire
to alleviate pain and enhance function. This approach
is particularly good for older adults, as it deals
with the root causes of many 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, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in doing
daily everyday jobs. While MCI doesn't always lead
to dementia, it can significantly impact an individual's quality
of life. A recent study by Ziloochi et al. (1) studied
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 suggests that chiropractic care can
positively influence cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help boost 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 affects 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, managing spinal stenosis is vital for
maintaining mobility and quality of life. Research by Jensen et al. (2) highlights
the effectiveness of conservative care, with chiropractic care,
in coping 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 advice.
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 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 done 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 ten 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, participate in physical activities, and keep
their independence.
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
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 offers a head-to-toes holistic
approach to handling health challenges that accompany aging. From improving cognitive function to treating
spinal stenosis and chronic back pain, the advantages of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-known. For those wanting
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the perfect
time to take action. Whether you're an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone experiencing back pain or cognitive
decline, Vancouver chiropractic care at Vancouver Disc Centers can offer
the support and relief you need.
Make you’re your Vancouver
chiropractic appointment with Vancouver Disc Centers now!