Is Chiropractic Safe for Elderly Patients?

One of the more common concerns that elderly patients have about chiropractic care is…Is it safe?

As we know…it’s not like we get bigger and stronger as we age…although, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle (and chiropractic care) will help preserve us and slow down the effects of aging.

In any case…most elderly patients are concerned that chiropractic adjustments could harm them, because of the force involved, or the twisting and “cracking”. Heck…I would be concerned too.

But here’s the deal. It’s not only elderly patients that may require special care…it’s every patient. What about children? Does a chiropractor do the same adjustments on them as an adult? What about a patient with whiplash? What about someone that is very sensitive to the touch and has a low pain threshold?

Chiropractic is a philosophy, science, and an art.

The philosophy is based on the premise that nature is perfect and cannot be improved upon. The science is the understanding of the relationship between the nervous system, the spine, and health. When the spine is in alignment the nervous system functions properly and can control and coordinate all body functions as intended. This is when the body is in a state of balance, harmony, or homeostasis. Or as chiropractors like to say…a state of ease.

When the spine is out of alignment it interferes with this process and creates imbalances which can lead to sickness and dis-ease. The art of chiropractic is locating, identifying, and correcting subluxations so that the body can heal itself and restore health and function.

This can be done in hundreds of different ways. As long as the objective and outcome is the correction of subluxations than it is considered chiropractic (in my opinion).

Chiropractic techniques vary and can be used with very small amounts of force. They also can be done without any uncomfortable twisting.  Knowing what chiropractic technique, and what level of force, and what complimentary therapies to use with each patient…especially the elderly patient, is the art of chiropractic.

At our office, we incorporate chiropractic techniques that can be custom tailored to your body. They can be very gentle techniques…or more aggressive techniques when indicated.  Complimentary therapies like cold laser can also be used to effectively reduce pain without any sensation at all.

So I guess the moral of the story is that chiropractic is safe and effective and makes sense for the elderly patient. But chances are…it won’t be the same treatment we do for the 20 year old grandson. There is a chiropractic technique, and level of treatment and intensity for everyone…and applying it is an art…the art of chiropractic.

For more information on us, log on to: www.painfree-greatposture.com