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 aging spine is especially loved.
Aging gracefully is more than just an expression; it is
a goal for many Largo folks! However, as we grow older,
our bodies undergo changes that can affect our
quality of life. For older adults, tackling spinal health can
lead to improvements in general well-being. This is where Hollstrom & Associates Inc
and our Largo chiropractic care comes in.
UNDERSTANDING THE AGING SPINE
The spine is more than just a pillar of bones.
It's a complex system that supports our whole body,
sheltering the spinal cord and enabling
a wide range of movements. Its health is vital
for maintaining 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 issues 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 ease pain and improve function. This approach
is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it addresses 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, trouble
with concentration, and challenges in doing
daily everyday jobs. 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 suggests that chiropractic care can
positively influence cognitive health in older adults.
Chiropractic care can help improve blood flow and nervous
system function, which are vital for cognitive health. Regular
chiropractic care may reducedecrease 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, 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 frequent issue among older
adults, handling 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 a variety of
techniques to manage spinal stenosis, including
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, reducing 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 resulting
in decreased mobility and quality of life.
Long-term studies, such as the one done by McNaughton
et al. (3), give valuable insights into how chiropractic care can
affect back pain over time. The study studied
older men with low back pain over ten years, revealing
that regular chiropractic care significantly reduced 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 preserving
spinal health, individuals can have more
freedom of movement, partake in physical activities, and maintain
their independence.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
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 handling health challenges that come
with aging. From improving cognitive function to managing
spinal stenosis and chronic back pain, the benefits of
chiropractic care for older adults are well-documented. For those wanting
to explore the benefits of chiropractic care, now is the best
time to do it. Whether you're an older adult,
a caregiver, or someone undergoing back pain or cognitive
decline, Largo chiropractic care at Hollstrom & Associates Inc can offer
the support and relief you need.
Schedule you’re your Largo
chiropractic appointment with Hollstrom & Associates Inc now!