Chiropractic Care For Seniors

Posted by Admin

When I first opened my chiropractic office in San Diego in 1993, I was 28 years old. Like most people in their 20's, I had preconceived ideas regarding older patients. Of course, when I was 28, an "older" patient was anyone over 40. Now that I am in my forties I realize how distorted my thoughts on "older" were!

That being said, I have always enjoyed the "older" patients in my practice. During my time in practice, I have found that most patients end up being patients because of de-conditioning (O.K., lack of exercise). This is true especially for older patients and often complicated by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Chiropractic care is able to provide great relief for these conditions. However, the problem of insufficient exercise must be addressed as well.

The skeletal system is basic. The individual bones come together, separated by a cartilage pad, to form a joint. The joint is stabilized by ligaments and muscles. With time and specific injuries, the cartilage pads begin to wear down, ligaments weaken and the bone deteriorates. These processes cause instability of the joint which often makes exercise difficult and painful. We have several means by which we can control this process and prevent further wear and tear.

Exercise is very important in providing relief from joint pain. That old saying "move it or loose it" is right on the mark. Exercise will strengthen the muscle and provide stability that the joint has been lacking.

Nutrition helps slow deterioration of the joints. Proper nutritional support such as that found with MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroiten can greatly help extend the useful life of a joint. Additionally, nearly 80% of the people who take these nutritional supplements for joint pain get a noticeable level of relief.

Chiropractic care also helps provide relief for "older" joints as well. Chiropractic adjustments break down un-necessary scar tissue that hampers normal joint motion. Chiropractic care also gives pain relief through a complex neural reflex and muscle relaxation through a simple, local spinal reflex.

A combination of exercise, proper nutrition and chiropractic care can help breath new life into "older" joints.

Author: Dr. Steven R. Jones DC (Steve), is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. Dr. Jones completed his pre-med education at California State University Hayward. He finished his doctorate work at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice Jones Chiropractic Clinic. He holds a U.S. Patent on the ergonomic device, the Ergo Nav, the only fully adjustable mouse platform on the market.