Keeping Your Spine Healthy

By Donna Kostiew

It seems to me that most people are very health conscious. Where I live, the gyms are always packed, there are several natural food grocery stores within a few miles of each other, and urgent cares seem to dot most of the intersections. Keeping on top of our health is becoming more and more popular. But let’s face it, most people don’t even consider the health of their spine when trying to maintain their overall wellness. This lack of consideration can lead to discomfort or pain and make us even more susceptible to injuries and future complications.

Tips to Maintain Spinal Health

Establishing a successful path to wellness must include all aspects of the body’s health, including your spine! Here are some tips to help keep your spine in perfect health.

Exercise – Finding a fitness program that stretches and strengthens the back, the abdominal muscles, and the hamstrings can go a long way toward creating stability in the spine.

Proper driving form – Being mindful of spinal health during driving is important and can be achieved in several ways, such as: buying a lumbar support, positioning your seat so the back and neck aren’t strained, and adjusting the mirrors so you are encouraged to sit up straight.

Good form – Always try to keep the proper form when bending and lifting, no matter what you are doing. Whether it’s lifting weights, taking the trash out, or picking up your toddler, keep your back straight, your head in a neutral position, and bend at the knees to avoid any injuries.

Text neck - Also known as Forward Head Posture, this occurs when your head is no longer in line with the neck and shoulders. For every inch that your head moves forward, the stress that is placed on the spine dramatically increases and can cause degeneration and arthritis in the neck. To prevent this kind of damage, hold your devices at eye level, look down with your eyes only, and stretch those muscles periodically.

Computer use – Don’t take the word “laptop” literally. If you are working on one at home, in a dorm, or while sitting on a couch at the local coffee shop, keep it off of your lap! Find a table to place it on and keep the screen at eye level instead.

Chiropractic care – Getting regular chiropractic adjustments help to maintain the health of the spine and prevent future injuries and complications by addressing the root of the problem, removing any nerve interferences, and maintaining its proper alignment.

The human body is a remarkable design and maintaining good health habits for all of its parts can make a huge difference in how that design continues to work.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.