Do I need Chiropractic treatment?
Is Your Spine Aging Well?
The human aging process results in many changes – changes in hearing, eyesight, agility, bone density, memory – and of course, changes in the spine. Generally, spinal changes related to aging involve some form of tissue deterioration that gradually worsens as you get older.
Some of the more common symptoms associated with the aging spine include:
- Loss of flexibility
- Stiffening in joints
- Lower back pain
- Problems sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
- Difficulties with walking, twisting, turning
- Problems returning to a standing position after sitting
- Difficulty lifting heavier objects
- Pain while doing normal activities - that would otherwise not hurt other people my age.
- Frequent injuries that are taking longer and longer to heal
- Abnormal curves forming in my spine, often told to us by others
- Aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen no longer work for my pains
- Sensitive to pain medication
- Worried about the condition of your bones and function of your muscles
Women typically experience symptoms of the aging spine sooner than men due to a decrease in estrogen production in the post-menopausal years that leads to a loss of bone density. Other factors such as weight, lifestyle, exercise, diet, medications and alcohol and nicotine usage can affect spinal health as well.
There are ways you can maintain a healthy spine and decrease your chances of developing conditions such as disc degeneration, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis that may result in chronic pain and loss of movement, including:
- Exercise – especially weight training and cardiovascular exercise to avoid significant bone loss. Even brisk walking can help. Exercise should be 30 minutes each day, even longer if your body can handle it. Always seek the advice of a physician when starting a new fitness program.
- Lifestyle – Eat a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and Vitamin D intake, keep to a healthy weight and avoid smoking and high alcohol consumption. No more than 2 alcholic drinks per day. 8-10 glasses of water, vitamins, low sugar, high fiber, low fat diet is highly recommended.
- Drink plenty of water – Proper hydration helps lubricate joints, reduces stiffness and helps maintain spinal health.
- Receive regular chiropractic care – Chiropractic adjustments help to maintain proper motion which is critical to spinal disc, joints and tissue health.
Just ask yourself - ‘how long would you like to have a healthy spine and nerve system?’
