Chiropractic Care & Healthy Aging: Living a quality lifestyle
Your Doctor of Chiropractic may be a helpful partner in your health care picture to help safeguard the best years ahead!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links impaired mobility and physical decline to depression, heart disease, several cancers, and injuries. One survey showed 14% of men and 23% of women with Medicare could not walk two to three blocks. Loss of muscle strength, particularly in the lower limbs, has been identified as a limiting factor to living independently among older populations.
Did you know: More than 30% of all regular medical office visits by elderly patients are for musculoskeletal complaints, such as joint pain, backache, and difficulties in walking.
Chiropractors serve an important role in helping seniors stay active, without over-reliance on medication or surgical intervention. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (the spine) and function (the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.
The key benefits of chiropractic care for seniors are:
- Increased balance and coordination
- Decreased risk of falls
- Increased range of motion in spine and extremities
- Pain relief without prescription drugs
- Prevention of spinal degeneration
With seniors, ongoing care usually involves a combination of spinal care, nutritional advice, and exercise counseling – all important components of healthy aging.
“One of my number goals as a chiropractor is keeping seniors moving. If I can help someone from needing a wheelchair or cane because of their pain then I have improved their quality of life, and really that’s what these golden years are all about-quality in their everyday life.” –Dr Hart
One of the most common concerns among those age 65 and older is arthritis. Aging and degenerative changes, such as arthritis, are not synonymous and can be prevented or even partially reversed with regular chiropractic care and a wellness lifestyle consisting of proper nutritional choices and exercise. The primary goal of chiropractic care is to help you reach your full potential so you may live your best life and promote healthy aging.
Did you know that Medicare has chiropractic coverage?
Many of our patients have no idea that Medicare covers chiropractic, but in reality, more and more studies are showing the benefits of chiropractic for people over 65 and Medicare is listening!
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the chiropractic adjustment. Your secondary insurance may cover the rest. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers manual manipulation of the spine, if medically necessary, to correct a subluxation when provided by a chiropractor or other qualified provider. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and the Part B deductible applies. If you have a supplemental insurance, the 20% patient responsibility is covered by your supplemental making your expense $0. However, Medicare does not cover other services or tests ordered by a chiropractor, including the chiropractic exam, X-rays and massage therapy; however, these may be covered by a secondary insurance. *
*It is always best to check with your policy for accurate information or ask the provider’s office to look in to your policy for you.
Give us a call at 630-262-1421 to schedule your appointment or have our staff look into your policy.