Several senior patients in our Portland office come to us due to neck pain, and Dr. Helton is often able to help with the healing process. Nonetheless, neck issues 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 uncovered that chiropractic therapy is extremely helpful for this particular age group to overcome neck issues issues especially when paired with a home exercise program.
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 gathered 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 usage.
Twelve weeks into the treatment, the cohorts who were given spinal manipulative therapy and doing home exercises reported 10 percent less issues than the patients 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 five percent less problems than that group overall.
This is great news for seniors who were given chiropractic as it offers better results. But, let's not forget the importance of home exercise. So, what types of exercises are helpful for seniors dealing with neck pain?
The American Senior Fitness Association states that one of the best ways to lighten your neck pain is to focus on improving your neck alignment through better posture. This includes:
There are also some exercises you can do as well that can help improve your neck muscles and lighten your potential problems. 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 gently 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 beneficial 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 reduce neck pain as you age, please contact our office and set up an appointment with Dr. Helton. 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
Dr. Helton, a Portland chiropractor, has been providing chiropractic health care and treatment for accident injuries for over 30 years. Dr. Helton specializes and is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of injuries from auto accidents. He has passed advanced certification training and testing by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego in the evaluation, treatment, and management of injuries from whiplash and brain traumatology.
