Aging Well with Chiropractic

As we age, a lot of people experience an increase in aches, pains, and mobility issues. While it’s true that our body naturally experiences physical decline as we age, there are steps you can take to slow and, in some cases, even reverse age-related physical issues.

Staying healthy and active in our sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth decades plays a big role in our overall quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked physical decline and impaired ability to higher rates of depression, injury, and certain types of cancer. Studies have revealed that many older adults experience difficulty walking, kneeling, reaching upward, and lifting more than 10 lbs.

While traditional medicine has come a long way in treating age-related decline, chiropractic can also play a big role in promoting wellness and reducing pain. With its focus on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care helps bones, joints, and muscles function better which, in turn, reduces pain and promotes healthy movement.

At Kennedy Chiropractic, we love helping people of all ages in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Brookfield, and surrounding communities feel their best. Below are some of the most common issues we see when treating older adults and how chiropractic can help.

1. Arthritis. A lot of age-related physical issues stem from wear and tear on our joints and inflammation of the tissue around the joints, known as Arthritis. Our joints play a major role in every movement our body makes. Joint pain limits our ability to move and function, which can accelerate physical decline. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help eliminate joint pain and inflammation by realigning the skeletal system. An experienced chiropractor can also provide nutritional and fitness advice to further alleviate arthritis-related pain.
2. Obesity. The less we move, the more likely we are to experience weight gain. Among older adults with chronic pain, movement can be challenging and obesity rates are on the rise. Being overweight puts extra stress on joints, bones, and muscles, causing even more pain and further limiting movement, which contributes to a vicious cycle. Chiropractors not only have the expertise to help increase mobility and eliminate pain, but they can provide additional wellness advice to help you maintain a healthy weight as you age.
3. Loss of strength. Our muscles naturally experience atrophy as we age. Unless you have maintained a strength training regime, you have likely noticed a reduction in your ability to lift and carry even a moderate amount of weight. Joints, muscles, and bones work together to move our body, so when one or more of these elements decline, they bring the rest down with them. A chiropractor can help ease muscle tension and eliminate pain that may keep you from maintaining a fitness regime as you age.
4. Loss of coordination. Mobility, balance, and strength are three key elements to maintaining health and coordination as we age. Our body is constantly in conversation with itself and works hard to ensure we are moving in a way that limits pain. When one system of your body is struggling, the rest will have to work even harder to compensate. This can lead to pain, mobility and balance issues, and a loss of coordination. Additionally, keeping your brain sharp is crucial to maintaining the mind-body connection that facilitates healthy movement. A chiropractor can help create a wellness routine that provides you with the tools you need to stay healthy from top to toe.

Chiropractic care encompasses much more than spinal adjustments. A licensed chiropractor is not only an expert in spinal mechanics but in the functioning of the entire musculoskeletal system and how it contributes to mental and physical health. Chiropractors like Dr. Corinne Kennedy are also trained in key areas of wellness like nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction for individuals of all ages.

No matter where you are in your life and health journey, chiropractic can help you reduce pain, increase mobility, and get on the road to feeling your best. Chiropractic works hand-in-hand with traditional medicine in providing a comprehensive solution to age-related pain. At Kennedy Chiropractic, we provide expert chiropractic and other wellness services for older adults in Wauwatosa and surrounding communities. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!