Geriatric Care

There are many benefits to chiropractic for the elderly. Chiropractors, well trained in health assessment, diagnosis, radiographic studies, health promotion, and illness prevention, are well-positioned to provide many primary health-care services to aging patients. This is particularly important to a nation that is straining to provide adequate geriatric health care. Below are a few of the benefits that elderly patients have had with chiropractic care:

  • Pain relief – It is no surprise that many people turn to spinal adjustment techniques for pain relief. Chiropractors have the ability to fix the subluxations within the spine that cause pain and inflammation, without the use of medication. This means that the chiropractor fixes the underlying cause of the pain rather than masking it with medication and removing it only temporarily.
  • Natural treatment – Many medications have unpleasant side effects. With at least 92% of seniors having at least one chronic condition, it is important for this demographic to find a way to find relief without the need to take medication.
  • Increased quality of life – Chiropractic care helps a person continue to have a proper range of motion in all of their extremities, which can enhance their quality of life. It is normal for many seniors to assume that they will become stiffer and less capable of doing things as they age, but with the help of a chiropractor, this does not have to be the reality.
  • Lower risk of falls – With 33% of seniors falling every year, finding a plausible solution to this problem is a priority. Chiropractic care is helpful in this area as it helps to minimize subluxations in the spine and helps patients learn to stretch and exercise to improve their balance and strength throughout their senior years.
  • Help with chronic conditions – Certain conditions that the elderly suffer from can be treated or co-treated with chiropractic care. One study followed a group of seniors with COPD and their incidence of adverse events with the disease. After four weeks of chiropractic care, these study participants experienced a decreased number of adverse events and had a higher quality of life.