People of all ages suffer from neck pain. Many are turning to chiropractors for care because it’s been found to be one of the most effective forms of treatment available, with typically no side effects! But what are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor for senior citizens?
Researchers are projecting that by 2030, nearly one in five residents in the United States will be 65 or older. Currently, approximately 14% of the patients treated by chiropractors are 65 or older, making it one of the most frequently utilized forms of alternative care used by older adults. Musculoskeletal pain—pain in the neck, back, arms, and/or legs—drives the majority of elderly patients to chiropractors.
Common complaints among elderly patients regarding the neck include limited movement, stiffness, and pain. Neck pain interferes with sleep, as finding a comfortable position in bed can be quite challenging! Lifting, carrying, and playing with grandchildren is a very common issue, either causing a new complaint or irritating an existing one. Neck pain may also interfere with reaching and lifting. Thus, activities like yard or garden work may become more difficult and less enjoyable. Neck pain is often associated with headaches, which can make daily tasks even more challenging.
What kind of chiropractic services can a senior citizen expect when seeking treatment from a chiropractor? When an elderly patient visits a chiropractor for the first time (or any new patient as well), they can expect to fill out some initial paperwork, as well as provide a history of the pain they are experiencing, including providing a family medical history. The examination usually includes general observations, palpating or feeling for muscle tightness, tenderness, warm/cool, range of spinal motion (neck, back, extremities), orthopedic tests, neurological tests, and possibly x-rays.
The goal for managing every patient (not just the elderly) include chiropractic services related to patient assessment, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness, in addition to the treatment of illness or injury. Common chiropractic treatment includes spinal manipulation and/or mobilization, nutritional counseling, physical activity/exercise, and (especially important for the elderly population) fall prevention. The goal of treatment is to improve neck motion, activity tolerance, and quality of life (less pain, improved sleep, etc.).
Whether you are 10, 20, 50, 70, or 90 years old, give chiropractic a chance to help you manage your neck pain. Call McKim Chiropractic clinic to find out more about the benefits of seeing a chiropractor and to schedule an appointment with a certified and caring chiropractor. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the residents of Nampa, ID achieve a pain-free life!
