Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Premature aging is preventable

For years I have been talking with patients comparing how we take care of our bodies and spines to the maintenance of automobiles. We all know that a vehicle that is not maintained with regular oil changes, tune-ups and tire rotations will not last as long as those whose maintenance schedule is followed. Unfortunately, our spines do not come with a manual. With our busy schedules, we go for a long time needing a “tune-up” or spinal balancing before a symptom occurs. The human body has many compensating mechanisms, which kick in before the “oil light” or symptom flashes.

I have seen patients 5, 10, 20 years and more after an accident or fall causing the injury that eventually brought them in for treatment. These years of wear and tear do take a toll on our spinal joints, discs, nerves and our health. Remember that the small spinal misalignment interfering with brain-tissue communication, called a subluxation, is what chiropractors reduce and remove. The only way to eliminate this problem is to have a spinal adjustment. Restoring balance to a system improves the health of the spinal joint and removes the nerve interference. My patients, who have lived with symptoms for years, do get relief from many of their symptoms. But more importantly, they regain their health and are insuring healthier retirement years.

A Rand Corporation Study published in Topics in Clinical Chiropractic discusses the characteristics of older patients who seek chiropractic care. It is based on a detailed examination of a database collected during a randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a comprehensive geriatric assessment program. Of about 400 patients, 24 received chiropractic care, a figure similar to those in published reports of the distribution of chiropractic patients in the general population. Among these older patients, chiropractic users were less likely to have been hospitalized and to have used a nursing home. They were more likely to report a better health status, exercise vigorously, and be more mobile in the community. This study suggests the need to develop chiropractic models that address the special preventative and rehabilitative needs of older patients.

The U.S. Census Bureau is predicting that by the year 2050 an incredible 19 million of us will be 85 years old or older. Taking care of our spines to reduce premature aging will only complement this longevity.

The adjustments performed at the Durden Chiropractic Clinic employ a high-technology method to reduce subluxation and remove nerve interference. The adjustment is painless; we promise. Call for a free consultation (770-631-7600) and join us at our monthly Health Talk Thursday, April 29, at Heritage of Peachtree, 1967 Ga. Highway 54 West, Fayetteville (across from Gold’s Gym).

— Dr. Marilyn L. Durden