Chiropractic and Neck Pain and The Elderly

Many senior patients in our Anchorage office come to us due to neck problems, and Mulholland Chiropractic Center, LLC is often able to help with the healing process. However, neck discomfort is all too common in the elderly, as reported in an article printed in Geriatrics, with causes ranging from arthritis to some type of trauma and even infections or tumors. Fortunately, research has found that chiropractic therapy is extremely helpful for this particular age group to overcome neck pain issues especially when paired with a home exercise program.

One Study's Conclusion

One such study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration and published in The Spine Journal. In this study, 240 participants aged 65 or older were included as they reported neck pain levels of a 3 or greater for a period of at least three months. Each individual was then placed into one of three groups: spinal manipulative therapy plus home exercise, supervised rehabilitative exercise plus home exercise, or home exercise only.

Data was obtained at the start of the study, as well as at predetermined intervals of 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks. Information taken included pain levels, disability status, overall health, satisfaction with treatment, overall improvement and any changes in medication intake.

Twelve weeks into the treatment, the patients who were treated with spinal manipulative therapy and doing home exercises reported 10 percent reduced pain than the individuals in the group that were doing home exercises exclusively. They also did better than the group involved with supervised rehabilitative exercise plus home exercise, citing 5 percent less pain than that group overall.

This is great news for seniors who were treated with chiropractic therapy as it offers better results. But, let's not forget the benefits of home exercise. So, what types of exercises are beneficial for seniors dealing with neck problems?

Home Exercises for Seniors with Neck Discomfort

The American Senior Fitness Association states that one of the best ways to reduce your neck problems is to focus on improving your neck alignment through better posture. This includes:

• Sitting up nice and tall
• Pulling your head slightly back
• Raising your chest and
• Relaxing your shoulders

There are also some exercises you can do as well that can help strengthen your neck muscles and decrease your potential discomfort. The first one involves sitting in a chair and placing your left hand on your waist while putting your right hand on your cheek. Slowly and lightly try to push your right ear toward your right shoulder, using your hand to resist the movement. Count to three as you do this and then relax and repeat on the other side.

A second exercise that is useful is based on the same type of resistance, except this time you are going to place your hands behind your head and pull your chin back. Use your clasped hands to create a light resistance, again holding for a count of three before relaxing and repeating a few more times.

If you are interested in learning more ways to help lighten neck discomfort as you age, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with Mulholland Chiropractic Center, LLC. We'll do our best to help you feel better no matter what your age.

References

Maiers, M et al. (2014, September 1). Spinal manipulative therapy and exercise for seniors with chronic neck pain. Spine, 14(9), 1879-1889, doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.10.035 Moskovich, R. (1988). Neck pain in the elderly: common causes and management. Geriatrics,43(4), 65-70, 77, 81-2 passim. Wilson, MA. Sit down and exercise! Mature Fitness