Aging and Chiropractic
Updated: Oct 19
Aging and Chiropractic
Aging affects people differently. Strength, mobility, health conditions, medicines and personal goals all matter more than assuming that every symptom is inevitable wear and tear.
Appropriate preventive care and daily activity can support health through later life. Chiropractic care may address a particular musculoskeletal concern, but it is not established as necessary for longevity.
Planning for Health in Later Life
Population life-expectancy figures do not predict an individual’s health or independence. Focus on the functions and activities that matter to you.
Coordinate primary care, vision and hearing care, medication review and condition-specific treatment. Non-drug musculoskeletal options may complement this plan when appropriate.
Top Health Concerns Facing Aging Adults
Some of the top health conditions American seniors experience:
Heart disease
Arthritis
Mental health
Osteoporosis
Vision and eye diseases
Age-Related Falls and Injuries
Falls can cause serious injuries, and risk often has several contributors. Reviewing medicines, vision, footwear, home hazards, strength and balance can help identify useful changes.
After a fall, inability to bear weight or new severe pain requires emergency assessment. A head injury with new weakness, confusion, speech or vision changes, or loss of consciousness requires calling 911. People with osteoporosis can sustain a fracture after relatively minor trauma; seek assessment when a fall causes new pain.
Where Chiropractic Care May Fit
Before considering manual treatment, ask about the diagnosis, likely benefit, risks and alternatives:
A specific musculoskeletal goal is more useful than a promise to remove nervous-system interference.
Manipulation is not universally safe; osteoporosis, fracture, surgery and other risks can change the decision.
Exercise and selected symptom treatments may support function, but routine adjustments do not guarantee prevention of injuries.
Non-thrust options, adapted exercise or medical referral may be preferable for some people.
A varied diet, suitable activity, social connection and appropriate medical care can support well-being. Review medicines with the prescriber rather than reducing them simply because of age.
Spinal manipulation can cause temporary soreness, stiffness or headache. Rare serious neurological injuries have been reported. Neck manipulation has an association with cervical artery injury and stroke; the exact risk and causality remain uncertain. Discuss your health history, benefits, risks and non-thrust or exercise-based alternatives before deciding.
Haywood Spine and Nerve Center is at 136 Waynesville Plaza, Suite 1, Waynesville, NC 28786. Call (828) 456-5700 to ask about an evaluation and appropriate referral. Emergency symptoms need emergency care.
See NIA’s exercise guidance for aerobic, strength and balance activity ideas adapted to ability.
This article is general education and does not replace individualized diagnosis or treatment.
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