Chiropractic Tips to Avoid Back Pain
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us take our bodies for granted until pain grabs our attention and refuses to let go. Anyone who has endured back pain understands this issue clearly.
If you are not at that point, and don’t want to be, it might be good time to visit The Joint Chiropractic clinic in your area to learn more about keeping your back healthy.
Chiropractic Answers
In your first visit your chiropractor will explain why he or she believes a well adjusted spine is the base for a well adjusted body. When the spine is working, everything else follows suit.
Your chiropractor will ask about current pain, daily routines, and medical history. This is a good time for you to ask questions about the back. The chiropractor’s goal is to seek pain relief and maintain normal routines without pain medications or surgery.
A spinal adjustment will be used to correct any dysfunctions, which may provide relief for any neck, back, or sciatica pain that exists. Individuals also report benefits such as new energy, improved digestion, or more alertness. As you experience spinal health, you will learn more ways to protect your back, such as these tips from the Harvard health community.
Avoid Extra Weight – The heavier you are, the greater the stress on your spine. If this weight shows up as belly fat, your center of gravity shifts forward, putting added pressure on your back. Eat a healthy diet and stay active.
Don’t Smoke – If you do smoke, stop. Along with all of the warnings about eye health, heart disease, cancer and blood pressure, Harvard researchers say smokers have more back pain than nonsmokers. Nicotine inhibits blood flow to the back, and causes smokers to lose bone faster, upping their risk for osteoporosis.
Don’t Overload Your Back – We’re a mobile culture, and most of us travel with some sort of tote. Make sure everybody in your family has the right tote, no heavier than 10 percent of body weight when filled, fitted to the individual with double padded straps to distribute the load (in backpacks).
Practice Back Safety – Wherever you are, be aware of your back and take the pressure off of the spine. Sit with your knees slightly higher than your hips with feet flat on the floor. Take small breaks to avoid sitting or standing in one spot too long. At home, lift with the legs, and keep objects close to the body. Alternate heavy tasks, like vacuuming, with lighter tasks.
To keep your focus on your spinal health stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. No appointments are needed. Extended weekend and evening hours are available. And a private affordable care program eliminates the need for insurance.