Caring for Caregivers

In Canada, May is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate and honour the individuals who provide essential care to their loved ones. At Edgemont Chiropractic Clinic, we know that caregivers need support all year long. Family caregivers embody selflessness, offering time, energy, and unwavering dedication to support aging parents, children with special needs, or family members coping with illness. Yet, while they prioritize the well-being of others, many caregivers put their own health second, leading to issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and stress. Dr. David Olson and I can offer provides meaningful support to caregivers, helping them sustain their physical and emotional health while they fulfill this vital role. To care for the carers is an honour for Dr Olson and myself.

A few weeks ago (to avoid the US election coverage) I watched a Netflicks documentary on one of my favourite actors, Gene Wilder. I love this guy. A kind and remarkably funny man. If you’re ever in need of a laugh (I’d say now would be a very good time), watch ‘Young Frankenstein’. It’ll help. This wonderful soul suffered from Alzheimer’s, which affects not just the cognitive abilities, but can cause physical impairments. Well, Gene fell down and his widow and two friends couldn’t lift him. He wasn’t a large person, but he was dead weight. I thought of how many of us, family, friends and professional caregivers are having to confront this type of scenario every day and how it affects us physically and emotionally.

The Impact of Caregiving on Physical Health

Caring for a loved one often requires a significant physical commitment. From lifting and moving individuals to long hours spent bending and reaching, caregivers are at risk of several musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Back Pain: Frequent lifting or helping with mobility can strain the back muscles and cause spinal misalignments.
• Neck and Shoulder Tension: Stress, coupled with repetitive movements, often manifests as tightness in the neck and shoulders.
• Joint Pain: Knees, wrists, and shoulders can also be affected from the repetitive motions associated with caregiving.

These physical stresses can not only make caregiving tasks more difficult but also impact a caregiver’s long-term health and quality of life. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to relieve these strains and restore alignment, helping caregivers remain resilient in their demanding roles.

Chiropractic Benefits for Caregivers

Chiropractic care is an effective, natural way to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and boost overall well-being. Here’s how it can support family caregivers:

• Pain Relief: Regular chiropractic adjustments from Dr. Olson and I can help relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain by correcting spinal misalignments. For caregivers, this can ease the discomfort that arises from lifting and daily physical tasks.
• Stress Reduction:  Our Chiropractic care doesn’t just address physical pain; it also promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Adjustments stimulate the nervous system, encouraging a calming effect that can help caregivers manage the emotional pressures of their responsibilities. Plus, it’s good to receive caring yourself.
• Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Chiropractic care also supports joint health, improving flexibility and making daily caregiving tasks easier. This can be a game-changer for caregivers who need physical endurance and range of motion to care for others.

Simple Stretches for Caregivers

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, caregivers can benefit from easy stretching routines that help alleviate tension and prevent stiffness. Here are a few:

• Neck Stretch: Slowly tilt your head to each side, holding for a few seconds to release tension in the neck.
• Shoulder Roll: Lift your shoulders to your ears and roll them back and down to relieve shoulder stress.
• Lower Back Stretch: Lie on your back and gently pull your knees towards your chest. This stretch can relieve back tension.

Encouraging Caregivers to Prioritize Self-Care

Caregiving is often a 24/7 responsibility, leaving little time for self-care. By making time for wellness practices like chiropractic care can help caregivers to better support their loved ones.

This month, encourage a caregiver you know to explore chiropractic care as a step toward health and resilience. They and you, deserve to feel well, not just for the people they care for but for themselves.

By investing in one’s own health, caregivers can continue to offer the love, patience, and support that their families rely on. At Edgemont Chiropractic Clinic, you and they have access to chiropractic care offering  relief, balance, and vitality.