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(Medical-NewsWire.com, October 01, 2012 ) San Francisco, CA- Ageing baby boomers are driving what healthcare providers are calling a longevity revolution.
That means chiropractors can expect to play a larger role in helping those with decreased muscle or bone density as well as balance issues that contribute to the risk of falling.
So said experts at a recent conference of New Zealand, Australian and International Chiropractors organised by the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.
Conference attendees heard that healthcare providers need to achieve an improved understanding of the role chiropractic can play in assisting baby boomers reaching retirement age. Presentations focused on chiropractic techniques suited to elderly patients, ways of managing rare associated risks and the expectations seniors have about their care.
According to Dr. Graham Dobson, chiropractor, Director of the Technique Department at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, the discipline has a key role to play in reducing pain and the need for prescription pain relievers, improving joint mobility and bettering general quality of life.
He said traditionally chiropractic care has been viewed merely as management of limited musculoskeletal conditions through spinal manipulative therapy. However, he noted that perception is changing as chiropractors implement various techniques to help the patient as a whole by addressing the nervous system in addition to treating musculoskeletal symptoms.
In addition, modern research is starting to reveal chiropractic can help with the multidisciplinary management of conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis. Auckland University and the Centre for Chiropractic Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic is conducting research into how chiropractic care for seniors can reduce injuries and death from falls.
However, Dr. Dobson cautioned that chiropractors should assess senior patients carefully, taking into account factors such as the risk of falling, osteoporosis and possible drug interactions.
According to Chiropractor, PhD candidate and principal investigator of the study Dr. Kelly Holt, falls often occur due to a decline in nervous system function with age, leading to a loss of balance and compromised limb control.
He added that it is estimated that falls in New Zealand cause about 450 deaths and cost nearly $300 million per year in treatment and rehabilitation costs. With the baby boomers ageing, this cost will likely only worsen. Those who don’t die from falls typically lose their confidence and begin avoiding former daily activities, which increases frailty and leads to premature death.
About CornWellClinic.com:
CornWellClinic.com (http://www.cornwellclinic.com/), located in Edmond, Okla., specializes in chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, and spinal wellness. Dr. Rondall Cornwell is a chiropractor committed to providing back pain relief for many symptoms and conditions so that people can have a higher quality of life. Patients seeking treatment with Dr. Cornwell are assured of receiving only the finest quality chiropractic care through the use of modern chiropractic equipment and technology.
CornWellClinic.com
JP Harvey Hiles
4158810933
contact@CornWellClinic.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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