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For Seniors, Body and Mind Work Together For Better Health
By Jo Ann La Russo
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| --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Toms River seniors were told that better health means a better life. |
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Lucille Kodran, Mary Demyan and Maria Owlett don't have back problems. That's why the trio sat and listened to chiropractor Dr. Michael Braden of Toms River's presentation on the effects of aging on the human spine last week at the Garfield Avenue Senior Center.
"Prevention," said Kodran. "We want to hear what he has to say that can help us remain pain free."
The ladies, along with about 50 Toms River seniors, watched as Dr. Braden, using an overhead projector, reviewed the spine.
"If your spine is out of alignment," he said, "it's kind of like when your car needs alignment. Without it, the tires begin to wear down. The same thing happens with your spine."
Proper alignment, proper diet and proper exercise are the key to preventing that dreaded senior ailment, arthritis, Braden said, explaining that arthritis is a term for more than 100 rheumatoid disorders.
"Osteoarthritis is the most common form, and includes loss of cartilage, overgrowth of bone and formation of bone spurs which can cause the bones underneath the cartilage to rub together causing pain, swelling and loss of motion in the joint," he said.
Although osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, it most often occurs in the hips, knees, hands or upper or lower spine. Cervical arthritis affects the upper spine and neck and Lumbar arthritis, lower back and pelvis.
In the audience, Eileen Trexler took every word seriously and said she would make an appointment. "I had an X-ray which shows I have back problems," she said. "When I walk, I sway. I think chiropractic care will help."
"An altered gait from an imbalance of the spinal cord will lead to a host of problems," said Braden.
Some people are more at risk for developing arthritis than others, according to Braden. "It's more common in people over the age of 50. Injuries, obesity, family history, chronic illness, weakened immune system and infections can contribute to a person's risk of developing arthritis."
The audience of seniors seemed satisfied with the new information.
"We can understand what he says, "said Mary Turco. "He doesn't use medical terms that we don't know."
"He's more down to earth," said Fran Kenney, who wanted information about preventing osteoporosis.
Although the signs and symptoms can include inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints, arthritis in the spine can show up as back pain that comes and goes, weakness or numbness in legs or arms, leaving a limited range of motion.
Last week's state Supreme Court decision that ruled New Jersey chiropractors can once again treat other areas other than the spine, such as extremities and joints, was good news for patients as well as the doctors, said Braden.
Should people with arthritis exercise?" asked Trexler at the session.
Exercise can help in many ways, answered Braden. "Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness and endurance," he said, adding that because it will also help with weight reduction, "it contributes to an improved sense of well-being."
"A lot of life is how we feel," he said to audience member Turco. "Age and degeneration are not synonymous. Learn how to take care of your body and your mental health. I firmly believe that you can think yourself to better health."
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