Stretch Your Pain Away

By Donna Stark

If you want to naturally prevent, manage, and alleviate pain in your body, be sure to incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine. The benefits of stretching are well-known and you probably already stretch before and after most physical activities, but those aren't the only times you should stretch your muscles. In fact, stretching can be very beneficial for those times when you aren't even very active at all!

Reasons to Stretch Every Day

It's easy to understand why it is so important to stretch before and after intense physical activity. Stretching increases blood flow and helps to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead, and when you are finished exercising, it helps release tension and enhances flexibility. Stretching can also reduce the risk of a variety of injuries. But it's also important to understand that stretching can provide just as many benefits during the quiet, sedentary periods of your day, like when you are sitting behind a desk at work or driving long hours across the country. Take a look at why stretching is so important during these times as well.

• Reduced pain, discomfort, stiffness, and tension
• Increased flexibility and mobility
• Improved posture
• Better moods and less stress
• Increased clarity and creativity
• Improved blood flow and organ function

Stretching Throughout the Entire Day

It is recommended to take short, frequent breaks throughout your day to stretch every part of your body. By stretching your neck, shoulders, back, forearms, and hands, you can ease tension and discomfort, and reduce the risk of future musculoskeletal disorders. Here are some great stretching exercises you should try to incorporate into your day.

• Shoulder shrugs and circles
• Head glides (forward and back)
• Back stretches (side-to-side, front-to-back)
• Wrist circles and backward bends

Fitting Stretches Into Your Schedule

Many people don't bother stretching throughout the day because they either mistakenly believe it will take up too much time or they aren't sure what to do. Fortunately, a little goes a long way here, which means you only need a few minutes for it to make a huge impact on your overall well-being. So, go ahead and start today. Use those extra minutes throughout the day to improve your health and wellness, and if you need more ideas or some guidance on what to do, head on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. The recommendations they share will be sure to get you on the right path!

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