Am I too old to see a chiropractor? [Infographic]

A chiropractor can help alleviate and even prevent pain in your muscles, bones, and joints, helping you to live a happier, more comfortable life. However, you may be wondering “Am I too old to see a chiropractor?” Whilst this is a common concern amongst older people, it isn’t something you need to worry about. Since chiropractic care can help those of all ages, there’s no upper age limit on who can benefit from it. Keep reading to find out more.

Is chiropractic treatment safe for older people? 

Many people question if chiropractic treatment is safe for older people. When you consider the infamous popping sound that happens when an adjustment is carried out, it’s not surprising that this is a concern. You might assume that chiropractic care would be too forceful for an ageing body. Fortunately, in most cases, it is perfectly safe. The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics states that chiropractic care represents a very effective treatment for older adults. 

In the Journal, a Best Practices paper lists various considerations to apply when treating the elderly with manual procedures. Chiropractors must consider age-related changes in both the musculoskeletal and neurological systems of older adults. For example, conditions such as muscle loss, decreased flexibility, and peripheral neuropathy should be taken into account when treating patients. Chiropractors will adapt their techniques to support the needs and comfort of their patients. 

Who should not have chiropractic treatment?

Although most older people are able to benefit from chiropractic care, it’s not always appropriate for everyone. Patients with severe osteoporosis or other bone-weakening processes may not be able to undergo chiropractic treatments. This is because their bones are weakened, making them fragile and more likely to break. In some cases, a chiropractor can help. However, they’re likely to use a very gentle approach, including soft tissue techniques to address the pain and other symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to coordinate your care with your GP, orthopaedist and any other medical professional involved in your osteoporosis care.

What are the benefits of chiropractic treatment for older people?

Getting older is all part of life. Our hair will go grey, wrinkles will appear, and slowly but surely our bodies become less mobile. Our bones and muscles start to weaken as we age, potentially leading to chronic pain. Fortunately, this pain isn’t simply something that you need to live with in your old age. Chiropractors can help alleviate pain in various parts of your body as you get older, from your neck and back to elbow and leg. We can even help with headaches and migraines since they can often stem from problems with the joints in the cervical spine. 

Don’t worry that you’re too old to receive treatment from a skilled chiropractor. At Thorne Road, our chiropractors in Doncaster use a wide range of techniques that are safe and effective for people of all ages. We can help to significantly reduce your pain levels, helping you to become more comfortable and mobile.

Back pain relief for the elderly 

One of the most common reasons for elderly people to undergo chiropractic care is for pain in the muscles or bones in the back. Back pain is by far the most widespread complaint. Indeed, 23% of older adults have back pain. 6% have debilitating back pain that prevents them from carrying out their normal daily activities. Chiropractic care for back pain typically starts with the chiropractor taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and potentially using diagnostic imaging to determine if the treatment is appropriate for your back pain.

X-rays can help them to check that the patient doesn’t have any serious health conditions that affect their spine, such as a fracture or a tumour, as well as helping them to decide where to adjust the spine. They will then develop a tailored treatment plan involving manual adjustments. The chiropractor will manipulate the joints using controlled force to improve the quality and range of motion. 

Chiropractic care for ongoing health 

If you’re still wondering “Am I too old to see a chiropractor?”, consider that older people visit chiropractors for a wide range of health conditions. Since the central nervous system is enclosed in the spinal cord, any problems with the alignment of the vertebrae (known as subluxations) can impact any organ within the body. Any aspect of health can be impacted as a result. At Thorne Road, we employ a philosophy of holism when it comes to providing chiropractic care, helping our patients with a huge range of pain-related problems. 

Visit Thorne Road Chiropractic Clinic 

Over the years, we’ve firmly established ourselves as one of the leading chiropractic clinics in Doncaster and the surrounding areas. Our experienced chiropractors can help alleviate and even eliminate pain in a wide range of areas, including the neck, back, arms, and legs. Even headaches and migraines can be prevented using chiropractic treatments. We do this using skilled and effective spinal manipulation, achieving quick, noticeable, and long-lasting improvements. 

You can rest assured that you’re in safe hands when you come to Thorne Road Chiropractic Clinic. We are fully accredited by the General Chiropractic Council and the British Chiropractic Association. With a proven track record for relieving pain associated with the musculoskeletal system, you can feel confident that we can assist you. 

Contact us 

“Am I too old to see a chiropractor” is a common question, however, the answer is usually no. If you’re struggling with chronic pain in your joints or muscles or you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, a chiropractor may be able to help, whatever your age. Contact Thorne Road Chiropractor Clinic today. Call us on 01302 969 501 to discuss your needs or book a consultation with one of our highly experienced chiropractors. You can also send us a message via our website if you prefer.