As a person ages, the muscles begin to lose mass and strength. This is a natural part of aging and something that every person will experience as they get older. However, there are ways to delay these signs of aging and prevent injury. At Horst Chiropractic in Temecula, we recommend that patients stretch and exercise regularly, and undergo routine chiropractic adjustments to keep the muscles strong. Dr. Nathen Horst also advises patients to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet as part of the wellness plan. It’s important for every individual to do everything they can to keep the muscles strong and prevent premature aging of the muscles.

But first, it helps to understand how aging affects the muscles. The aging process has three main effects on the muscles:

• The fibers of the muscles themselves are fewer in number. As a person ages, the sheer amount of muscle that they have decreases. This occurs because the body is producing less muscle tissue and because existing muscle tissue actually shrinks in size over time. This is a natural cause of aging, but can be combated with regular exercise and a healthy diet, to some degree.
• The tissue does not renew itself as quickly as it does when a person is young. In our youth, tissue is constantly regenerating. As we age, the body slows, and along with it the tissue regenerating process. This reduces muscle mass and strength. As muscle tissue is lost, it may be replaced with tougher fibers that are not as elastic as muscle.
• As the nervous system changes, the muscles do not respond as well to strength training exercises and may not function properly. In addition, the nervous system may not send the right signals to the muscles.

This doesn’t mean, however, that muscle weakness has to be a reality of aging. Chiropractic care can keep the spine and joints in proper alignment, help patient achieve a wider range of motion, improve flexibility, and reduce pain, all of which can contribute to improved muscle health.

A loss of flexibility and range of motion makes people more prone to injury. Restoring that range of motion can make it easier to maintain muscle tone and encourage the growth of muscle mass, while also protecting the body from injuries that can make it difficult to retain muscle. The right chiropractic care can delay muscle loss, protecting the body and slowing down the aging process.

In addition to chiropractic care, a healthy lifestyle, which includes at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week; a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains; no smoking; and limited consumption of alcohol, can also delay aging of the muscles.

For more information about how chiropractic care can delay aging of the muscles, patients can contact the office of Horst Chiropractic. Any of our staff members will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. Additionally, patients should feel free to ask any questions they may have so they can prepare for the appointment.