Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a common occurrence in seniors. Estimates show around 50 percent of older adults who live at home experience it. Fortunately, Premier Chiropractic Center in Bessemer, AL, offers specialized chiropractic care to seniors and can address the most common causes of pain in older adults and then some.
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritis that occurs from gradual wear and tear over the years. It’s the most common variety of this condition.
With osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones will wear down.
Any joint can feel the wrath of osteoarthritis. However, it’s most common in your hips, spine, knees, and hands.
While the damage is irreversible, a chiropractor can help you manage it. If you seek out chiropractic care prior to developing this issue, the practitioner may be able to prevent it from occurring, at least for a period of time.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis could include the following:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Decreased flexibility
- Tenderness
- Grating sensation
You’re more at risk for this condition if you’re an older adult. It tends to affect women more than men. Additionally, your chances increase if you’re overweight.
An injury to a joint can enhance your likelihood of osteoarthritis, and so can repeat stress on a joint. Diabetes and abnormally high levels of iron also make you more prone to this condition.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs in your back change due to the normal aging process. It’s most common in older adults, but it can begin to occur in your 40s or even 30s. In fact, most people experience it to some degree by the time they’re 40.
Often, in the early stages, you won’t notice you have it. As it progresses, though, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Pain that worsens when you bend
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in your lower back
- Pain that worsens when you sit for prolonged periods
- Pain that worsens when you lift or bend
A chiropractor will use your symptoms as well as possible imaging to determine if you have this condition and to what degree. Based on the results, your practitioner will decide on an appropriate treatment approach, such as spinal decompression or alignments.
3. Fibromyalgia
If you have widespread musculoskeletal pain, you could have a condition that’s known as fibromyalgia. As of now, researchers believe it may stem from recurring nerve stimulation, which leads to changes in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, you’ll experience elevated levels of certain chemicals. In addition, your brain receptors may become sensitized, which could cause your body to overreact to pain signals or even non-painful signals.
Besides pain, this condition could also cause mood issues, sleep problems, and frequent fatigue. Memory problems and mood issues are possible as well.
Some people notice symptoms of fibromyalgia after surgery, infection, or trauma.
If you have fibromyalgia, you’re more likely to have anxiety, depression, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
A chiropractor can help ease your pain through chiropractic adjustments and exercises.
4. Lumbar Stenosis
Your spinal may narrow, which can place pressure on your nerves. This condition is known as spinal stenosis. Most often, it affects your lower back, which is known as lumbar stenosis. A majority of people are 50 or older since the condition can arise due to osteoarthritis.
Typically, you won’t have any symptoms when this issue begins. As a general rule, this is a progressive condition that’ll cause lower back pain. You could also have burning, numbness, or tingling in your lower back that extends throughout your buttocks and down a leg. You might also experience weakness.
A practitioner will provide treatments like chiropractic adjustments or exercises.
These four problems are common causes of pain in your musculoskeletal system. Ideally, you should seek chiropractic treatment as preventative care, but fortunately, your local chiropractor at Premier Chiropractic Center can help once you have an issue as well. Plus, we offer specialized treatments geared toward seniors.
Contact Premier Chiropractic Center, serving Bessemer, AL, or the nearby region, if you have one of these problems, have another musculoskeletal issue, or would like to take steps to prevent these problems and others. Call us at 205-519-4024, or use our contact form.
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