Healthy Aging: Mobility, Balance and Chiropractic Care
Getting older doesn't have to mean an inevitable decline. Healthy aging is about protecting the things that matter most - your independence, mobility and quality of life. It's something you can actively work towards, rather than something that simply happens to you.
What is healthy aging?
Healthy aging is about maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of illness and injury, and continuing to do the things you enjoy for as long as possible. It takes ongoing effort, but staying active and looking after your health can help you maintain your independence as you age.
One part of healthy aging that deserves attention is balance and coordination. Changes in sensory and motor function can contribute to an increased risk of falls as we get older. While some changes are a normal part of aging, there are practical ways to support mobility, strength and balance throughout life.
What does the research say about chiropractic care and healthy aging?
Some research has investigated whether chiropractic care may influence the way the brain receives and processes information from the body. One aspect of this is proprioception - your body's ability to sense the position and movement of its different parts.
Researchers have explored whether changes in these functions may be relevant to balance, coordination and everyday activities in older adults.
One study examined whether chiropractic care could improve sensorimotor function associated with falls risk. Over 12 weeks, the group receiving chiropractic care showed improvements in ankle joint position sense and choice stepping reaction time compared with a control group.
These findings are interesting, but they need to be interpreted carefully. The study involved 60 older adults and assessed specific measures of sensorimotor function. It did not establish that chiropractic care prevents falls or reduces the risk of falling in everyday life.
Another study followed older adults with uncomplicated back conditions over two years, comparing episodes of chiropractic care with medical care. Researchers found associations between chiropractic care and a lower likelihood of decline in some measures of daily functioning and self-rated health.
Taken together, these studies contribute to an evolving area of research. They provide some insights into sensorimotor function and health outcomes, but more evidence is needed to understand the broader role of chiropractic care in healthy aging.
What might this mean for you?
Healthy aging involves many things: regular physical activity, strength and balance exercises, adequate sleep, good nutrition, social connection and appropriate healthcare.
The research discussed above raises questions about whether chiropractic care may have a role in supporting certain aspects of musculoskeletal and sensorimotor function in older adults. If you're considering chiropractic care, an individual assessment can help determine whether it may be appropriate for your particular musculoskeletal concerns. Your GP remains an important part of your healthcare as you age, especially when managing chronic conditions, medications or changes in mobility.
When to seek other care
If you're experiencing falls, sudden changes in balance or mobility, or new or worsening symptoms, speak with your GP or seek appropriate medical assessment to help identify the cause.
Falls and balance difficulties can have many contributing factors, including medication effects, vision changes, muscle weakness and other medical conditions. Chiropractic care is not the right starting point for every concern, and it should not replace appropriate assessment or evidence-based falls prevention strategies.
Curious about chiropractic care as part of healthy aging?
If you'd like to understand whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your musculoskeletal needs as you get older, we're happy to have a conversation at your next visit.
At Capital Chiropractic Centre in Braddon, Canberra, our approach is to discuss your concerns, explain what the research does and doesn't show, and help you make an informed decision without pressure or promises we can't keep.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual healthcare advice. Please discuss health concerns and treatment decisions with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
Tinetti ME, Kumar C. JAMA. 2010;303(3):258-266.
Holt K, et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2016.
Weigel PAM, et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(3):143-154.
Haavik H, Murphy B. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011;34(2):88-97.
Wiener JM, et al. J Gerontol. 1990;45(6):S229-237.
Milte R, Crotty M. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2014;28(3):395-410.
Sarnat RL, et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2007;30(4):263-269.