Aches and pains are common throughout life, but many of us tend to experience more back problems as we get older. If you’re experiencing back pain, or caring for someone who does, you might wonder whether chiropractic care is safe for older adults. The answer is yes!
Chiropractic care is safe for almost anyone. We provide gentle, therapeutic adjustments to help solve problems with alignment that can trigger back pain (along with pain in the shoulders, neck, hips, and more). The risks from chiropractic adjustments are extremely small. When side effects do (rarely) occur, they include slight muscle soreness for a few days afterward. However, the potential side effects of taking various prescription medications for pain can be much greater. We believe chiropractic care to be the preferred treatment option for pain, whenever possible.
Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment for back pain. In fact, treatment guidelines from the American College of Physicians* specifically recommend attempting non-drug treatments for lower back pain, before resorting to prescription pain medications. Older adults are more prone to side effects from medications, and many drugs used for pain can increase the risk of falls and other accidents that can be devastating for patients in this age group.
Chiropractic care encompasses a variety of treatment options. Spinal manipulation, to address alignment problems that can lead to pain, are a common part of chiropractic care. However, for those who are nervous about pursuing these adjustments, simply discussing the issue with a chiropractor can be reassuring. There are different ways to perform spinal manipulations to achieve maximum comfort for the patient.
Chiropractors can also offer other recommendations, related to posture, sleep positions, and your daily habits, to address the source of your back pain.
Your chiropractor will fully review your medical history, to rule out other potential causes for back pain, before proceeding with chiropractic care.
For more information on chiropractic care for older adults, please give us a call. We will address your concerns, and help you decide upon the best course of treatment for your condition.
*Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530.