The health of the spine can tell a lot about a person’s future and how much help they will need as they get older. For some, nursing home care may be a possibility if their spine is not in good condition. Scoliosis, which is curvature of the spine, is at the top of the list of indicators for needing additional care as a person ages.
Research indicates that the angle at which the curve of the spine occurs is a risk factor to needing nursing home care at some time in older age. This particular study was done at Toho University in Japan. Eight hundred people had a measurement taken of their spine. This was done using a noninvasive program that uses a computer to calculate the angle of the spine. Those involved were over sixty-five-years-old, with fifty-eight being women. The conclusion? A healthy posture does indeed contribute to the independence of a person for a longer period of time.
Something called the trunk angle of indication is a location on the spine that tells whether or not daily activities, such as getting dressed, being able to eat, and taking a bath, can be done independently or if assistance is going to be needed. When older ones have a trunk angle of indication, it is likely that they will need to depend on others for care at some point, possibly in a nursing home setting.
When the participants in the earlier mentioned study were checked in with four and a half years later, fifteen percent of them needed help with their daily routine. Those with a severe angle of the spine were three times more likely to need help than those with a lesser degree of curvature.
Maintaining Good Posture
An upper cervical chiropractor can help older ones keep their spines in alignment and, therefore, delay the progression of scoliosis. When the head is properly positioned over the spine and pelvis, proper weight distribution and less stress are the end result. Proper posture is to follow, leading to less curving of the spine and, in the long run, more independence.
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to http://www.NUCCA.org/ or if you are in the Chicago, Illinois area click the button below to schedule a consultation:
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Dr. Young Chung of NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, with a location in Chicago and a 2nd location in Wheeling is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves Northbrook, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, whiplash injuries, post-concussion syndrome. This type of care has also shown benefits for athletic performance and pregnancy outcomes. More information can be found on our website at http://www.NUCCAwellnessChicago.com/