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The aging process makes people vulnerable to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that can be treated either entirely or partially through chiropractic care. Muscle strength tends to decreases as people age. A lifetime of use can make our joints and spines stiff, osteoporosis can weaken bones leading to falls, and serious fractures and the aging nervous system reduces sensation and slows reaction times. Osteoarthritis.As we age, the natural cushioning between the joints wears away, allowing bones to rub against each other. This causes pain and inflammation in the joint. This condition is called osteoarthritis. Degenerative Disc Diseases.The spine can stiffen and the discs become damaged. The 23 discs in the spinal column act as shock absorbers, cushioning the area between neighboring vertebrae. They also hold the vertebrae of the spine together and act as cartilaginous joints that allow for slight mobility in the spine. Injury and aging causes the connective tissue surrounding each disc to become brittle. This can lead to a variety of physical problems, including limited range of motion, stiffness, and pain. Balance and Perception Problems.Weak muscles and a limited range of motion make it harder for older people to move with confidence. Age-related declines in sensory nerves lead to impaired hearing and vision, and slower reaction times contribute to the fact many older people are unstable on their feet and prone to falling. Aging is inevitable, but physical decline is not.Doctors of Chiropractic medicine are well versed in techniques to help older people overcome age-related changes in physical function, reduce the discomfort and stiffness that can accompany aging, and assist with development of a healthy lifestyle by training people how to perform therapeutic and preventative exercise techniques, practice healthy eating habits, and obtain good medical care, including routine vision and hearing tests. |
