National Chiropractic Health Month: Plan for a Strong Healthspan
Our lifespan is the total number of years we live. The term “healthspan” describes the years we live without major disability or chronic illnesses – able to do the things that matter most. Healthspan can mean different things to different people. For example, someone living with a disability or illness can also choose to maximize their health and abilities regardless of limitations.
Americans are getting older. The number of Americans age 65 and older will increase by 47% (from 58 million to 82 million) by the year 2050.
While the number of years people live is increasing, those years are not necessarily healthy years for many. There has been an increase in chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and that trend is expected to continue.
One contributor is that more than half of all U.S. adults fail to meet the surgeon general’s physical activity recommendations.
Along with cardiovascular health, metabolic health and other factors, musculoskeletal health is key to extending healthspan. The musculoskeletal system enables us to be physically active, and physical activity is considered one of the most powerful contributors to health and longevity. In addition:
A strong musculoskeletal system helps us to continue working and engaging in daily activities, which helps us to maintain independence as we age.
A strong musculoskeletal system contributes to better balance, which helps prevent falls as we age. Falls are one of the most common causes of death and disability among seniors.
A pain-free musculoskeletal system contributes to more restful sleep. Getting adequate sleep is essential to overall health and wellness; however, MSK pain can lead to sleep-related problems and, likewise, sleeping problems can lead to chronic MSK pain.
Back pain, neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions can impact healthspan by making it harder or impossible to work, participate in social activities or even take part in daily activities such as getting dressed and maintaining a home.
Globally, back pain ranks as one of the most common and debilitating causes of chronic pain. It is the No. 1 single leading cause of disability worldwide.
The number of people living with back pain is expected to rise 36% over the next 30 years.
Headache disorders ranked No. 3 and neck pain ranked No. 15 among global causes of disability.
An estimated 203 million people globally experience neck pain. That number is estimated to increase to 269 million by 2050.
Doctors of chiropractic are experts in musculoskeletal health, offering an evidence-based, non-drug approach to pain management, improved muscle and joint functioning, and overall health and wellness.
In 2017, the American College of Physicians (ACP) updated its guidelines for the treatment of acute and chronic low back pain to recommend first using noninvasive, non-drug treatments—including spinal manipulation—before resorting to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
In the 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes “diverse approaches and varied pain management solutions” and specifically encourages use of non-opioid/nonpharmacologic therapies as a first line of treatment against subacute and chronic pain.
A 2020 study published in the journal Pain Medicine found that chiropractic users had 64% lower odds of receiving an opioid prescription than non-users.
A 2017 study published by the Mayo Clinic found that people with neck pain initiating care with chiropractors had lower odds of using advanced imaging, injections and opioid medications.
