BASIC BACK

Drugs Not The Only AnswerTo Dealing With Aches And Pains Of Aging

By Richard R. Singleton, D.C.
Every day of our lives we are subjected to jolts, jars, bumps, accidents and injuries—some major, most minor. The body generally can absorb most of these insults with at worst some temporary discomfort. But then, one day, along comes the straw and we’re the camel with the broken back…an apparently slight injury creates symptoms quite disproportionate to what seemed like a minor event.

A normal part of the aging process involves the deterioration of tissues, especially those of the spine and joints. This deterioration occurs with all of us over time, although the degree of this process can vary. The reason is not fully clear, but it seems as if a history of spinal or joint stress and abuse, or inadequate spinal checkups that can catch minor problems before they become serious may accelerate this process.

But sooner or later eight out of 10 Americans will suffer from back pain and even more of us will develop achy feet, knees, shoulders or hands.

Warning signs of degenerative joint disease can be:

• Pain upon awakening in the early morning;
• Pain and stiffness while standing up after sitting in one position;
• Soreness and aching in joints and surrounding tissues.

We all know that aging is undeniable, but none of us wants to feel older than we are or have our activities prematurely limited by health problems. They say “getting older is not for sissies,” but neither should it become a struggle any earlier than necessary.

We also are seeing an increasing number of people who don’t want to cover up or mask these signs of ill health. They don’t want to fall into drug dependency as a way to balance their lives. They seek other solutions.

Chiropractors, who preach whole-person health, provide alternatives to reduce inflammation, provide relief and enhance the healing process. These may include ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, muscle stimulation, interferential stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, nutritional advice and exercises. Many also include diet therapy and nutritional supplements as part of an everyday routine.

These treatments can be for back and neck ailments and musculoskeletal complaints from knee and ankle problems to carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. All of these conditions are candidates for non-invasive chiropractic care. But if a condition exists that is better suited for treatment by a medical specialist, trained chiropractors will recognize the need to make the appropriate referral.

(Dr. Singleton practices at Singleton Chiropractic in Dennis, 508-385-9999, and Centerville, 508-778-5005 or www.SingletonChiro.com.)