Many years ago, hardly anyone knew what a chiropractor was.  Now, it seems that everyone is making weekly trips to get adjusted.  But this phenomenon is not just a new trend.  Chiropractic care has many healthy benefits, especially for seniors.  Here is what seniors should know about the importance of chiropractic care:

What exactly is a chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a doctor specialized in joint movement.  The vertebrae of the spine, for example, can become misaligned due to muscle tension, posture, or a past fall or accident.  When the vertebrae aren’t lined up correctly, that person can experience pain and even nerve dysfunction.  Chiropractors are trained to find vertebrae and other joints that are out of place, and then gently get them back to where they should be.  Other joints that may need to be adjusted to work correctly are ankles, shoulders, and wrists.

Are chiropractors real doctors?

While they didn’t go through traditional medical school, chiropractors have to go through a rigorous graduate program to be called Doctors of Chiropractic.  Chiropractic care has numerous scientific studies backing up the results, particularly those relating to the relief of back pain.

Why should seniors visit a chiropractor?

Chiropractors can help seniors in several ways.

1. Pain relief.  When joints aren’t lined up properly, bones can grind together, muscles can strain, and nerves can become pinched.  All of this pain can be relieved by getting adjusted by a chiropractor.  The pain may not be gone instantly but, with regular appointments, most patients feel remarkably better.

2. Increased range of motion.  Joints that aren’t lined up can’t move well.  This will restrict the movement in that joint.  The longer that restriction goes on, the more restricted the joint can become.  However, once the joint is realigned, full range of motion can return.

3. Better balance.  Inside of each joint are nerves that determine how tat joint is positioned.  These nerves, called proprioceptors, must work properly or good balance can’t be achieved.  But misaligned joints can throw off these nerves, making falls more likely.  Getting adjusted can prevent future falls and injuries.

While some seniors remain skeptical of chiropractors, thousands are finding relief and health from their visits.  For more information about chiropractic care, go to acatoday.com.
Freedom Home Care believes that knowing healthcare options will lead to better health and happiness for seniors.  We provide specialized in-home senior care in a variety of ways including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, arthritis care, outpatient services, and much more. If you or someone you know could benefit from our specialized services, call us at 708-433-5788 for more information or visit our website.