Aging and Arthritis
At back in balance, our chiropractors tailor the treatment to the needs of our patients. Often people in this category will require a much gentler approach to treatment and our chiropractors will often use a combination of soft tissue treatment and activator low force non-manipulative treatment to improve joint movement.
Spinal pain is a significant musculoskeletal problem among older patients[vi], and can also be the result of osteoarthritis. Studies show that chiropractic care may play an important role in the management of patients with spinal and peripheral joint (musculoskeletal) pain and associated joint dysfunction.[vii] Pain-related to musculoskeletal dysfunction can have an influence on balance, walking and the ability to achieve daily activities, and therefore may contribute to an individual’s risk of falling. There is considerable evidence showing the positive effects of Chiropractic care for spine-related pain.[viii] Studies also suggests a possible positive effect of Chiropractic care on some types of vertigo. There is limited, although promising, evidence that manual therapies may be beneficial for vertigo of cervicogenic origin.[i] [ii] [iii] [iv] [v] (vertigo originating from the neck).
Chiropractic treatment and advice is a safe, health-effective, and cost–effective way to treat many musculoskeletal conditions.[ix] Chiropractic also has a high patient satisfaction rate among its patients.[x] Due to the nature of chiropractic, the combination of hands-on manipulative treatment often builds a strong practitioner–patient relationship in which appropriate health and lifestyle recommendations can be discussed in a comfortable, supportive, and effective way.[xi]Advice on diet and exercises to improve balance, mobility and function can also be discussed openly between patient and practitioner.
[i] Hawk C, Cambron JA: Chiropractic care for older adults: effects on balance, dizziness and chronic pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009, 32:438-447
[ii] Hawk C, Cambron JA, Pfefer MT: Pilot study of the effect of a limited and extended course of chiropractic care on balance, chronic pain, and dizziness in older adults. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009, 32:438-447
[iii] Hawk C, Khorsan R, Lisi AJ, Ferrance RJ, Evans MW: Chiropractic care for nonmusculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review with implications for whole systems research. J Altern Complement Med 2007, 13:491-512
[iv] Reid SA, Rivett DA: Manual therapy treatment of cervicogenic dizziness: a systematic review. Man Ther 2005, 10:4-13
[v] Hawk C, Pfefer M, Strunk R, Ramcharan M, Uhl N: Feasibility study of short-term effects of chiropractic manipulation on older adults with impaired balance. J Chiropr Med 2007, 6:121-131
[vi] Weiner DK, Sakamoto S, Perera S, Breuer P: Chronic low back pain in older adults: prevalence, reliability, and validity of physical examination findings. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006, 54:11-20
[vii] Bokarius AV, Bokarius V: Evidence-based review of manual therapy efficacy in treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain Pract 2010, 10:451-458
[viii] Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leiniger B, Triano J: Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropr Osteopat 2010, 18:3
[ix] Carey T., Garret J., Jackman A. (1995). The outcomes and costs of care for acute low back pain among patients seen by their primary care practitioners, chiropractors and orthopaedic surgeons. N. Engl. J. Med. 333, 913–917. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199510053331406.
[x] Smith M., Stano M. (1996). Cost and recurrences of chiropractic and medical episodes of low back care. J. Manipulative Physiol. Ther. 20, 5–12.
[xi] Hunnisett A. Cunliffe C. (2012). Chiropractic Care as Primary Care Intervention for Better Muscluloskeletal Health in the Aging Population in the United Kingdom. An Opinion and Positioning paper. Front Physiol 3:87
