“You’ll just have to learn to live with it, you’re getting older.”

Many older Australians have heard these words in response to their complaints. Aches, pains and a lack of mobility and function are so common that some of us even think that it is normal to ache as we age. The truth is that losing function doesn’t have to be part of our lives as we age. There is almost always a solution to the lack of mobility that so often accompanies old age. In other words – you don’t have to live with it.

Chiropractors see patients in all seasons of their life, and we all notice that the patients most grateful for chiropractic care are the older generation. Patients who often have come to accept that they will live a life of symptoms and stiffness are overwhelmed with relief to find that a simple and effective treatment can so often give them back their life. Chiropractic spinal adjustments benefit seniors by improving mobility and restoring function in stiff and worn joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a result of joint “wear and tear.” It tends to affect people as they get older, particularly in joints that have to take a lot of stress and strain, such as the weight bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower back, as well as the neck and hands. Osteoarthritis often results from a previous injury to a joint or a joint having increased stress on it, thus it is important for treatment to begin with restoring proper joint alignment. This ensures joint stresses are evenly distributed instead of there being undue stress on one particular portion of the joint, predisposing it to increased degeneration. This is similar to the increased wear on a car tyre when the wheels are out of alignment. Often one will wear out and need replacing, even though both hips are the same age and there has been no previous history of injury.

Prevention is the best cure. Chiropractic adjustments and corrective muscle balancing procedures can realign, increase joint motion and improve muscle and tendon flexibility. Chiropractic spinal adjustments can also improve nerve function and overall health of seniors. Poor body mechanics, particularly where nerves exit the spine can potentially disrupt nerve pathways, upsetting vital connections between the brain and the body, affecting overall body function.

Chiropractic is an extremely safe and gentle therapy, so age is seldom a reason why people are declined chiropractic care. Instead of grumbling about the aging process, do something positive and see your chiropractor to find out if he or she can  improve the quality of your life.

Regards,

Dr Sarah MacNeil

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