Senior citizens who have trouble getting around and may suffer from neck or back pain would truly benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Often chiropractors today are assigning their patients specific exercises to complete. Senior citizens who partake in these fitness routines are likely to alleviate any aches or pains and increase their back, neck, arm or leg movement.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, one 85-year-old woman was able to progress from using a walker to walking on her own after following through with a specific stretching exercise and hip and joint mobilization. While exercise clearly brings benefits to the elderly, statistics show that as many as 50 percent of all primary care doctors do not recommend working out to their senior citizen patients.
With the help of a chiropractor who prescribes exercise routines, elderly patients are likely to be healthier. It is important to write out these prescriptions, mentioning how many times per week the patient should go for a walk, for example. In addition, senior citizens should be shown how to perform these workouts. Exercise diagrams and handouts may also help drive home the points of the fitness programs.
The publication Senior Citizen’s Guide reported that chiropractic care is safer and more effective than more risky treatments like surgery or pain medication. Senior citizens have a wide range of benefits to accrue through chiropractic care including increased range of motion, better balance and coordination, the loss of pain, smaller likelihood of falling, and a decline in joint degeneration.
With a rise in mobility, elderly people are more likely to enjoy their former hobbies and spend time with family participating in outdoor activities. Better coordination and balance can also improve the walking habits of senior citizens. Clearly, there are a multitude of positive factors for elderly patients who work with a chiropractor. Next time your back or neck is suffering, make an appointment with your local chiropractor!