How to Keep Your Spine Healthy
By Sara Butler
Don’t overlook the importance of a healthy spine! Back pain is a common condition, but it’s not one that you have to simply deal with! No, you should be actively pursuing a pain-free life with the help of your chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. Here are a few chiropractic tips to help you keep your spine healthy.
Important Tips
According to the American Chiropractic Association, you should make sure to keep these tips in mind when moving throughout your day:
- When standing - Keep one foot just in front of the other with your knees slightly bent. This can help to take pressure off the lower back. Also, remember not to bend forward at your waist when standing for a long period of time, it can lead to low back pain.
- When lifting - Lifting the wrong way can injure your back so make sure to get help if something is too heavy to move on your own, avoid twisting, use your hips and legs to lift from a squatting position instead of bending over at the waist.
- When sitting - Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips with your head straight. Avoid hunching your shoulders forward and use a chair or rolled up towel to support the natural curve of your lower back.
- When bending or reaching - To reach something above shoulder level, use a stool to help. If you strain to reach for an object too high, you risk hurting your shoulders and neck. Don’t bend at the waist to reach something on the floor; instead kneel on one knee.
- When sleeping - If you sleep on your stomach, work to break this habit since it’s terrible for your spine and neck. Instead, sleep on your side or back; use pillows to support your knees and a pillow that keeps your head in line with the rest of your body for neutral spinal alignment.
If you Smoke
You probably already know smoking is terrible for your health, but did you know it can cause back pain too? It’s true! Smokers have been found to have more back pain than non-smokers. The chemicals in tobacco smoke restrict the flow of blood to the tissues that support your spine, causing pain. Talk to your chiropractor about ways you can quit to improve your spinal and overall health.
Keep your spine healthy with regular visits to the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.