Not enough people consider their spinal health until it is too late.
Whether you struggle with chronic pain or are recovering from surgery or an injury, chiropractic care can help tremendously. Not only does it promote pain-free living, it also helps with mobility as we age.
A healthy spine should never be taken for granted.
Learn how to keep your spine healthy by following these five tips below:
1) Reduce Screen Time
The busier life gets, the more time we spend on our phones. Talking, checking emails, texting, and doom-scrolling. As bad as excessive screen time is for us – we cannot stop reaching for our phones for work, love, and life.
All that screen time wreaks havoc on your spinal health.
Bending or tilting your head to look at your phone can put up to 60 pounds of pressure on your spine, so keep your phone at eye level as much as possible.
Keep your head level so your shoulders and earlobes align and engage your core to support your spine.
2) Stretching
Regular stretching helps preserve flexibility, promotes proper spinal alignment, and reduces the risk of degenerative changes.
Muscular imbalances (when some muscles are tighter or stronger than others) can place added and uneven stress on the spine, leading to spinal degradation.
Stretching prevents and minimizes back stiffness and spasms, which can help relieve pain and encourage your body to strengthen weak muscles.
3) Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated might not be high on your list of spinal health tips – but it should be.
Giving your body plenty of water will help you get the most out of your Chiropractic Care at Broadmead Physiotherapy. A sufficiently hydrated body runs smoother, especially when recovering from an accident or injury.
Dehydration leads to muscle stiffness, spasms, and weak ligaments. Your body will respond better to treatment if it is hydrated.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a good source of water and are packed with vitamins and minerals to help your body function optimally.
4) Bending Tips
You have probably heard this tip before but it cannot be stressed enough.
Bend at the knees and hips and not at the waist. It puts less strain on your lower back by engaging your leg muscles to take the load of lifting objects. That means your spine gets to stay in a neutral position and prevents injuries.
Use your legs as leverage as often as possible instead of your back muscles when bending over or lifting objects.
5) Avoid Neck Cracking
Forcefully cracking your neck can do terrible damage to the ligaments and joints in your neck, potentially leading to blood vessel damage, instability, and even increased stroke risk.
Before attempting any manipulations, contact a healthcare professional.
Repeated neck cracking can stretch the ligaments beyond their natural range, causing further pain and damage over time. Improper neck manipulations exacerbate existing conditions and can misalign the joints.
To End
Follow these five tips above to take care of your spine.
Lastly, always pay attention to how your spine feels. If something feels amiss, contact a reliable chiropractor as soon as possible. Leaving a small pain can lead to more serious issues.
Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.
