According to a survey conducted by CNA, 8.7% of respondents reported that they were living with some form of chronic pain. With Singapore's population continually ageing - by 2030, 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be above the age of 65 - the issue of chronic pain can potentially place a heavy burden on families and the medical system.
While it's entirely normal for our bodies to develop aches and pains as we age, living with chronic pain can be debilitating. In some cases, it can even cause a loss of mobility, thus leading to feelings of frustration and a decreased sense of independence.
Over time, these physical limitations can take a toll on their mental health, contributing to issues like anxiety, depression, and a lower overall quality of life.
Common Age-Related Conditions That Inhibit Mobility
Here's a summary of the most frequent age-related conditions that the elderly face:
Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine, can lead to stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving.
Osteoporosis: Losing bone density makes bones fragile and more prone to fractures, limiting movement and causing discomfort.
Spinal Degeneration (Spondylosis): Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs can result in back and neck pain and affect posture and mobility.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced muscle mass and strength can impair balance, making walking harder or performing daily activities harder.
Joint Stiffness: Reduced flexibility and lubrication in the joints can lead to difficulty in movement, limiting the ability to perform simple tasks.
How Chiropractic Care Benefits the Elderly
Due to their age, the elderly may not qualify for more aggressive or invasive treatments, which could lead to complications. What is instead needed is a natural approach to healing, which is what makes chiropractic care a safe alternative.
Chiropractors can help manage pain and restore mobility in elderly patients using non-invasive techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and personalised exercise programs.
For instance, spinal adjustments relieve pressure on joints and nerves, reducing pain from arthritis, spinal degeneration, or trapped nerves. Soft tissue therapy helps improve flexibility, while adjustments enhance posture and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
Together, these treatments improve mobility, boost energy, and promote overall wellness, significantly improving quality of life.
Pain Relief Through Spinal Adjustments
Injuries, poor posture, or certain medical conditions can lead to spinal curvature, which exerts pressure on joints, nerves, or spinal discs. This causes pain and discomfort and, in some cases, limits a patient's ability to move.
A chiropractor can safely correct these misalignments by performing a spinal adjustment, a controlled manual technique that involves applying specific, quick force to the affected vertebrae.
During the procedure, the chiropractor uses their hands or a specialised instrument to manipulate the spine gently, pushing the vertebrae back into their correct position. This process alleviates pressure on the nerves, reduces inflammation, and restores proper alignment.
Adjustments are carefully calibrated based on the patient's condition, ensuring minimal discomfort. For elderly patients, chiropractors often use low-force techniques to ensure safety, especially when dealing with fragile bones or conditions like osteoporosis.
Better Health with Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors treating elderly patients may also use soft tissue therapy. This allows them to target muscle tension and fascia, which commonly develop in seniors due to age-related muscle loss, prolonged immobility, and joint stiffness.
As muscles weaken and joints stiffen over time, less support is provided for the spine and surrounding tissues, causing increased strain on muscles and fascia. Soft tissue therapy, including massage and stretching, helps relieve this tension, promoting better mobility, flexibility, and circulation.
By enhancing circulation, soft tissue therapy also promotes better oxygenation of muscles, reducing inflammation and speeding recovery from minor injuries or strain. These therapies form a holistic approach to pain relief and mobility restoration, addressing skeletal alignment and muscle health.
Improved Mobility and Flexibility
By enhancing blood circulation, correcting spinal alignment, and reducing pain, chiropractic care allows elderly patients to regain mobility and contributes to better general health.
Improved blood circulation and posture lead to more efficient muscle function and reduced strain on the body, which helps seniors stand and move more naturally. This increase in mobility strengthens key muscle groups, particularly those supporting balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
As seniors become more active, they build muscle strength and restore their independence, promoting greater self-confidence and improved mental health. A heightened sense of independence promotes healthier emotional well-being, which reduces feelings of helplessness or frustration.
Additionally, increased activity leads to more efficient oxygen flow and energy production, which boosts energy levels throughout the day. With better posture, more freedom of movement, and a stronger body, seniors experience improved vitality, allowing them to engage more fully in daily activities, leading to a better quality of life.
Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for the Elderly?
Chiropractic care is safe for elderly patients because it is non-invasive and focuses on improving function without medication or surgery.
By focusing on natural, hands-on techniques like gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractors help restore function and reduce pain without exposing seniors to the potential side effects associated with surgery or medication.
This makes chiropractic care a low-risk, effective option for addressing common age-related issues like joint pain, stiffness, and mobility.
Before starting treatment, chiropractors perform comprehensive assessments, including
reviewing medical history and conducting physical exams. This ensures they understand the patient's condition and can customise the treatment to minimise risks while providing effective relief.
In addition, chiropractic treatment is suitable for the elderly because chiropractors tailor their techniques to each patient's unique needs. Gentle, low-force adjustments accommodate conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and other age-related concerns.
By tailoring their approaches to suit the needs of each patient, chiropractors can ensure that they do not put undue stress on fragile bones or joints.
Total Health Chiro - Safe Chiropractic Treatment for Seniors
Ageing should never be a limiting factor in a person's ability to live life to the fullest.
Unfortunately, injuries or even natural deterioration of the body can cause aches or pains that inhibit one's mobility. But this doesn't have to be the end — far from it. Modern chiropractic techniques, combined with the skill and experience of the experts at Total Health Chiropractic, offer a comprehensive solution to age-related mobility challenges.
Chiropractors can address the root causes of pain, discomfort, and stiffness through personalised care, helping patients restore flexibility and strength. Contact our friendly team today and book a consultation at a clinic near you.
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