October is National Chiropractic Health Month!

Dr. Zach Shiels of Elite Sport & Spine is joining the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and chiropractors nationwide this October to celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month. This year’s theme  is “Plan for a Strong Healthspan!” The campaign will raise awareness of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system’s importance to healthy aging and how chiropractic supports it with a non-drug approach to pain management.

Lifespan is the years we live. While healthspan is marked by the years we live without major chronic illnesses or disability. Musculoskeletal health contributes to healthspan in several ways. First, healthy muscles and joints allow for people to stay physically active and enjoy more exercise activities. This also means maintaining or improving balance with aging and reducing the risk of falls. Lastly, people are able to engage in more daily activities and remain independent longer.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions that cause functional limitations is rapidly increasing because of population growth and aging. The Global Burden of Disease study lists MSK conditions among the most common causes of chronic pain and disability. Low back pain is frequently ranked as the single leading cause of disability worldwide.

Sports Chiropractic’s Role for a Strong Healthspan

“Sports chiropractic provides evidence-based, non-drug treatments for common MSK conditions. We treat back pain, neck pain, and many other muscle and joint injuries besides just the spine,” explains Dr. Shiels. “By managing musculoskeletal pain and improving joint function, people can enhance their overall health and quality of life as they age.”

National Chiropractic Health Month is a nationwide observance held each October. The event raises awareness of the importance of musculoskeletal health and the benefits of chiropractic care and its evidence-based, patient-centered, and non-drug approach to health and wellness. Research and clinical guidelines support the use of non-drug therapies against back pain and other common MSK conditions.

Dr. Shiels will share information on musculoskeletal health and chiropractic with the community throughout October. You can follow Elite Sport & Spine on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and follow #StrongHealthspan on social media. You can also find information about chiropractic at HandsDownBetter.org.

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States, attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors. ACA is leading the profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways. They work hand in hand with other health care professionals, lobby for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, support meaningful research. They then use that research to inform treatment practices for chiropractors across the nation. ACA provides professional and educational opportunities for its members and is committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. To learn more, visit www.acatoday.org.