Macomb County Seniors Get Proactive

A recent study shows that “Senior’s who utilize Chiropractic have fewer chronic complaints, spend fewer days in hospitals and nursing homes, are more mobile in their communities, and are more likely to report regular levels of exercise than non-chiropractic patients. In fact 87% of chiropractic patients described their health status as good to excellent, compared to 68% of non-chiropractic patients.” Published in Topics in Clinical Chiropractic, Volume 3, Number 2.

Elmer and Mary Louise of Utica , both in their 70′s, have begun utilizing the services of Dr. Miller, a local Chiropractor. “It really has made all the difference. We are now able to do a lot more, for longer periods of time and with far less pain. We only wish we had found this sooner.” Elmer said smilingly.

The general population is going to chiropractors in record numbers. Senior citizens, the fastest growing segment of the population, are no exception. According to an August 24th, 1999 article in the USA Today, more than 80% of senior’s age 65 or greater are aware of what the article termed “alternative medicine”.

This awareness has led to a fast growing utilization of these services. The breakdown for usage of chiropractic and other non-medical health care is as follows: Chiropractic was the leader with a utilization of 32%, second was massage therapy at 16%, followed by acupuncture at 9%, homeopathy at 4%, and naturopathy at 3%.

Drs. Ryan and Mark A. Miller of The Family Chiropractor P.C., in Clinton Township , attribute this trend to the fact that patients are becoming more proactive when it comes to their own health. Dr. Miller states that, “today more and more people are taking action as it relates to their health. Instead of waiting for things to go wrong, living with daily pain, or finding more and more medications to take, seniors are benefiting from something within themselves, their body’s own recuperative powers to heal itself.”

Chiropractic works to restore and enhance the body’s healing ability by removing interferences within the nervous system. These nerve interferences are termed spinal subluxations and when present, can show up as simple aches and pains, or if left over time, possibly more serious health concerns. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system in your body.

Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. While your brain is protected by the skull, your spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Your spinal nerves that supply all of your body’s structures, exit the spinal column between these movable vertebrae. Dr. Miller noted that many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This may result in spinal subluxation, nervous system dysfunction, and ultimately, ill health.

Just like turning a dimmer switch down causes the light to dim, spinal pressure, or subluxation can “choke” the nerve resulting in less energy impulse getting through to where that nerve leads. Ultimately over time, health problems in that area may develop. Chiropractic helps to restore the normal nerve function therefore “turns the power back on” allowing your body to heal itself.

Dr. Miller of The Family Chiropractor P.C. located on Hayes Road in Clinton Township added that “we utilize only licensed, board certified doctors that are experienced in helping the patient with their specific chiropractic needs. While actively listening to our patients we begin by first reviewing their complete health history and then assessing the best way to approach each individual case.

We formulate a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan with the goal of not just releif but to bring them back to their optimal level of health. Our state of the art facility allows our patients to be cared for in a relaxing atmosphere while receiving the most effective treament available today.” Patients are often pleasantly surprised to find out that most insurances cover their care!

Not all chiropractors are the same. There are over 100 different chiropractic techniques available, if one did not work for you, it may be wise to try another. The Family Chiropractor P.C. strives to get you results when others have not. Dr. Miller further stated that, “there is no charge for the initial consultation. This offers the patients the opportunity to ask questions, and find out if chiropractic is right for them.”