Seniors and the Elderly – The Aging Population
The aging process is inevitable. But getting on in years does not have to mean the loss in our quality of life. Good health is essential to enjoying our later years. Having good health at an older age is not a matter of chance. There are many things that contribute to good health and an enjoyable life. Chiropractic is one of those things.
Whether you are old or young, your nervous system controls all the functions and systems of your body. The signals that emanate from your brain must be clear and exact when they reach the intended body part. Any interference along the pathways between the brain and the body will result in that body part not being able to function correctly.
Chiropractors know that the most common cause of interference to the nerve system is from subluxations. A subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves. Subluxations are the main focus of what Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct.
Mobility
One of the biggest concerns that seniors express is the desire to remain mobile. Mobility means independence and allows us to participate in our daily activities.
Mobility is not only dependent on the ability of your joints and muscles to move properly. Mobility is also a function of the nerves that control those muscles and joints. It is, therefore, essential that your nervous system be functioning at its maximum potential and free of interference from subluxations.
People under chiropractic care report that they not only have better mobility, they also experience a better quality of life and more freedom that comes from increased mobility.
Function Better
Proper function is a key factor for experiencing good health. You cannot be truly healthy if parts of your body are not functioning at their highest potential.
Most people know that the nervous system controls the function of muscles. Also important is that the nerve system controls the functions of all your internal organs and systems. It is, therefore, vital that the nerve system messages leaving the brain arrive clearly to all the organs and systems of your body.
Any interference from subluxations with the signal between your brain and your internal organs will result in those organs not functioning properly. The end result is ill health.
Too Many Medications
The amount and number of medications that the senior population is taking has been called an ongoing health crisis. The elderly population consumes more medications than any other age group. Most seniors want to reduce or eliminate the amount of medications they take, but many believe that they have no choice.
Chiropractic is not an alternative for medication. The goal of chiropractic is to get your body to function properly so that medications are no longer necessary. Similarly, Doctors of Chiropractic do not prescribe medications, and do not take patients off their medications. Chiropractors work to bring about a condition of health in which medications may no longer be needed. It is then up to the prescribing health professional to reduce or eliminate the drugs.
Adding Years to Life – And Life To Years
The secret to living a long and healthy life is not really a secret. Living a long and enjoyable life is assured when your body functions at its maximum potential.
If you look in almost any anatomy book, you will see a description of how the body works with one basic truth. “The brain and nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of the body.” It is obvious that a nervous system free from subluxations is the best assurance for proper function.
Chiropractors are experts at locating and correcting subluxations. Correcting subluxations allows you to function at your highest possible level, thus allows you to add years to life, and life to your years.