We celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month with the theme Plan for a Strong Healthspan, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) under the presidency of Dr. Bronston. The goal is to raise patient awareness around the importance of maintaining a strong musculoskeletal (MSK) system for healthy aging – with the benefit of chiropractic care.
Ensuring a Strong Healthspan
Lifespan is the years lived; healthspan is marked by the years lived without major chronic illnesses or disability. In addition to cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and other factors, a healthy MSK system – muscles, bones, and joints – contributes to healthspan by making it possible to stay physically active, prevent falls, continue daily activities, and stay independent longer.
“Physical activity is vital to healthy aging, and your musculoskeletal system is what keeps you moving,” says ACA President Leo Bronston, DC, MAppSC. “Doctors of chiropractic help patients enhance their overall health and quality of life by providing evidence-based, non-drug therapies to manage common musculoskeletal conditions and advising them on health promotion and injury prevention strategies.”
Aging and MSK Conditions
The aging population has increased the focus on MSK conditions and their impact on health and wellness.
- The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase by 47% by 2050.
- According to the World Health Organization, MSK conditions that cause functional limitations are rapidly increasing.
- MSK conditions are among the most common causes of chronic pain and disability – with low back pain as the single leading cause of disability.
Research and clinical guidelines today recommend that people with common MSK conditions, such as low back pain, try non-drug therapies first before taking prescription pain medications. Increasing awareness of non-drug options for pain management is a key component in national efforts to alleviate the overuse of prescription opioid pain medications.
Staying Active
The MSK system enables us to be physically active, and physical activity is considered one of the most powerful contributors to health and longevity:
- A strong MSK system helps people to continue working and engaging in daily activities, which helps them to maintain independence.
- It contributes to better balance, which helps prevent falls. Falls are one of the most common causes of death and disability among seniors.
- A pain-free MSK system contributes to more restful sleep, which is essential to overall health and wellness.
The American Chiropractic Association
Dr. Bronston is a long-time member and current president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. It attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, leading the profession by working hand in hand with other healthcare professionals, lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, supporting meaningful research, and using that research to inform treatment practices.
