I recently read a very interesting article in the New York Times titled: The Perils of Toughing It Out, by Jane E. Brody. Here are some of my thoughts and some sections of her article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/03/the-perils-of-toughing-it-out/
Many older adults believe that pain is a “natural part of aging” In truth, pain is not a normal part of aging and it should not be ignored. We need to listen to what our bodies are telling us.
Studies show that elderly patients are less likely than younger adults to report pain to their doctors. Instead, many suffer in silence at considerable cost to the quality of their lives.
“The good news is that older people cope better with pain, but the bad news is that they cope by decreasing function and accepting pain as a consequence of aging,” wrote Dr. Bruce A. Ferrell, a geriatrician at the University of California, Los Angeles, and his co-authors inPrimary Issues, a website for primary care doctors.
“Unfortunately, this may lead to a vicious cycle of declining functional status, worsening overall health, and neglect of remedial and treatable conditions, and ultimately resulting in needless suffering,” they added.
Untreated or inadequately treated pain is disabling and can hasten the death of an older adult by interfering with the ability to exercise, eat properly or maintain social contacts. Persistent pain can lead to immobility, depression, sleep problems, loss of appetite and isolation, all of which may increase the need for expensive medical care.
A mistaken belief that pain is inevitable is just one of many barriers to proper care for the elderly. Others include a reluctance to bother the doctor or be viewed as a complainer, concern about the need for additional tests, and fear that treatment will require surgery or medication that could lead to addiction.
Chiropractic treatment is a safe alternative and effective treatment to reduce pain, without the side effects of drugs or the fear of surgery.
Chiropractic care is an excellent choice for older groups since their bodies are less responsive and more sensitive to overdose in medications that they get when consulting medical doctors. Chiropractic care may allow older people to reduce their medications; thereby protecting their delicate organs such as the liver and the kidneys. Chiropractic care can restore the optimum function of the spine contributing to better vitality, mobility, appetite, and endurance.
“Every person, regardless of age, has the right to be as free from pain as possible.” Our patients want to improve their health and live productive, pain-free lives as they age. If it is not already, regular chiropractic treatment should be a part of your preventive health strategy in order to maintain a pain-free active lifestyle.
If you are an older person in pain, or know of one please have them call us today, I am here to help you get out of pain and improve your function and quality of life. If you have any questions, please contact me. We can also provde You valid fioricet and
Thomas C. Ball, M.S., D.C.