How exercise and chiropractic can help seniors fight the symptoms of osteoarthritis and get the most out of life.
United States of America (Press Release) October 14, 2007 --
The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is over the age of 85. With over 100,000 people over the age of 100 in this country, seniors find themselves living much longer than they may have long ago anticipated.
I have a patient, a very feisty elderly woman similar in demeanor to Betty Davis if you can picture it. She recently came into my office, sat on the table and said “Doc, these are supposed to be my golden years. I feel like rust.” If only I were Dorothy, I’d whip out the oil can, collect her co-pay, and send her merrily on her way. Maybe even with a skip in her step. Such a solution doesn’t exactly exist – but, as a Doctor of Chiropractic, I know that I can help.
The primary contributor to the “rusty” feeling is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This degenerative condition not only causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness – but significantly decreases mobility and robs individuals of their independence.
Interestingly, osteoarthritis is caused by joint disuse, not overuse as is commonly believed. Seniors’ achy joints are not calling for rest, but for mobility. There is truth in the saying, “use it or lose it”. Moderate stretching, cardiovascular activity, and lifting light weights can be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy weight and correct posture are also helpful.
These measures, alongside regular chiropractic treatment, can make a significant difference in both preventing – and treating – symptoms of osteoarthritis. A chiropractor’s removal of spinal misalignments through periodic spinal manipulation increases mobility, decreases pain and improves quality of life. There are a variety of low force chiropractic techniques that can maximize results with minimal intervention. Studies indicate that spinal manipulation can increase range of motion, restore natural movement of the spine, relax muscles, and improve joint coordination – all which will ultimately reduce pain.
Jack LaLanne, 93 and icon of health and fitness, leverages chiropractic as a regular component of his own fitness routine. LaLanne studied at Oakland Chiropractic College before opening his first fitness center. LaLanne’s belief in the worth of chiropractic care, was passed down to his daughter, Yvonne, a chiropractor herself. LaLanne has been quoted, "The spine is the lifeline. A lot of people should go to a chiropractor but they don't know it."
If you believe you have osteoarthritis, or have been diagnosed, see your Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation and diagnostic workup to determine the best course of treatment. With early detection, appropriate chiropractic care can decelerate the early stages of this process. Or if you are close to reaching those golden years, see a chiropractor to design a program of preventative care for you, before you experience the discomfort from osteoarthritis.
I have a patient, a very feisty elderly woman similar in demeanor to Betty Davis if you can picture it. She recently came into my office, sat on the table and said “Doc, these are supposed to be my golden years. I feel like rust.” If only I were Dorothy, I’d whip out the oil can, collect her co-pay, and send her merrily on her way. Maybe even with a skip in her step. Such a solution doesn’t exactly exist – but, as a Doctor of Chiropractic, I know that I can help.
The primary contributor to the “rusty” feeling is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This degenerative condition not only causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness – but significantly decreases mobility and robs individuals of their independence.
Interestingly, osteoarthritis is caused by joint disuse, not overuse as is commonly believed. Seniors’ achy joints are not calling for rest, but for mobility. There is truth in the saying, “use it or lose it”. Moderate stretching, cardiovascular activity, and lifting light weights can be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy weight and correct posture are also helpful.
These measures, alongside regular chiropractic treatment, can make a significant difference in both preventing – and treating – symptoms of osteoarthritis. A chiropractor’s removal of spinal misalignments through periodic spinal manipulation increases mobility, decreases pain and improves quality of life. There are a variety of low force chiropractic techniques that can maximize results with minimal intervention. Studies indicate that spinal manipulation can increase range of motion, restore natural movement of the spine, relax muscles, and improve joint coordination – all which will ultimately reduce pain.
Jack LaLanne, 93 and icon of health and fitness, leverages chiropractic as a regular component of his own fitness routine. LaLanne studied at Oakland Chiropractic College before opening his first fitness center. LaLanne’s belief in the worth of chiropractic care, was passed down to his daughter, Yvonne, a chiropractor herself. LaLanne has been quoted, "The spine is the lifeline. A lot of people should go to a chiropractor but they don't know it."
If you believe you have osteoarthritis, or have been diagnosed, see your Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation and diagnostic workup to determine the best course of treatment. With early detection, appropriate chiropractic care can decelerate the early stages of this process. Or if you are close to reaching those golden years, see a chiropractor to design a program of preventative care for you, before you experience the discomfort from osteoarthritis.
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