Elderly Chiropractic Care in Tauranga
As we age the various of stresses of life and our past and recent traumas show in a more pronounced way than they did earlier in life, resulting in various compensations, aches and pains, stiffness and a loss of strength, balance and performance. These changes in mobility and flexibility tend to occur due to arthritis and lack of proper joint movement in the segments of the spine or within the extremity joints. Loss of strength often occurs due to reduced communication and stimulation from the nervous system due to stress within the spine itself. The changes in balance and stability many elderly experience come due to lack of use and also distortions in communication between the brain and body as a result of stress in the spine and nervous system.
Our Approach
At Be Vital Chiropractic, we focus on restoring normal joint function and motion to the spine and supporting effective communication between the brain and body. This is done through the use of gentle and safe chiropractic adjustments catered specifically to older adults who may have joint degeneration, brittle bones, osteoporosis, arthritis or other factors that require additional consideration and care.
Relevant Chiropractic Research
One study has shown a 200% increase in immune system function for adults who regularly see a chiropractor over the course of 5 years. This is due to greater regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathic nervous system, combined with improvements in circulation and nervous system communication.
Every joint in our body communicates with our brain to tell us exactly where we are in space. When a joint isn’t moving well this information isn’t relayed to the brain from that joint, resulting in altered awareness of the body by our brain. On top of this, these receptors diminish in their efficiency as we age. Having an altered awareness of where we are in space results in more falls, poor balance, and difficulty in getting up or walking. Chiropractic care helps to improve the communication in the spine and has been shown to stimulate the receptors and increase their effectiveness. (June 15:67-94.Guyton, MD. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1996; 714)
A study carried out in Australia in 2001 showed that regular chiropractic adjustments could increase the range of motion for patients. Sustaining a good level of flexibility and range of motion is essential for a good quality of life and for ease of movement in activities of daily life.
Improve Your Quality of Life
A study on the effects of regular chiropractic care among elderly populations by Dr Ian Coulter found an increase in the quality of life of people who underwent regular chiropractic care. The results of population undergoing regular chiropractic care found this population were:
- More likely to undertake exercise activities
- Much less likely to move ta nursing home – 5% in chiropractic care population vs 48% for those not under care
- 22% less likely to suffer arthritis
- Less prone to hospital stats based on incidence statistics.
