Why Hydration is Important to Your Spine
By Sara Butler
You know that drinking water is important to your overall health, but did you know it’s important to your spinal health, too? It’s true! Your spine needs water to function just as the rest of your body does. When you don’t get enough, then problems can arise. Here’s why it’s important to keep yourself hydrated if you want to avoid back pain!
How Your Spine Works
In order to understand why water is so important to your spine, it’s important to understand how the spine functions. The bones in your spine are cushioned by discs that sit between each bone. That disc works like a little shock absorber to help you flex, bend, and move without pain or wear and tear on your spinal bones.
These important discs are a bit like a jelly doughnut. They have a tough exterior with a squishy, jelly-like inside. The flexibility of these discs depends on how well hydrated they are. So, if you’re not getting enough water, then your spinal discs aren’t either. This can lead to problems down the road.
Water and Your Spine
Every single time your move your body throughout the course of a day, the discs between your spinal bones get compressed, squeezing out some of the water in them. Walking, sitting, or even standing compresses the spine. When you aren’t hydrated enough, then you will experience limited mobility and maybe even pain in your back as you move, putting you at greater risk of injury.
The water in your spinal discs must be replenished often, which is achieved through drinking enough water! You have to keep in mind that your body will prioritize water and make sure the internal organs have enough to function well in the case of hydration. The spinal discs are going to be some of the last structures to get water, so making sure you're properly hydrated all the time is important to keep the discs supple and flexible.
How You Can Get More Water
You need to drink when you’re thirsty, but it's better to avoid getting thirsty by taking sips throughout the day. Once you make a habit of drinking throughout the day, it’ll be like second nature and you’ll feel happily hydrated.
Also, keep in mind that regular chiropractic care can also help to ensure your spinal discs are getting enough water. When the spine is free of joint dysfunction and restriction, then the spinal discs can rehydrate more effectively.
Caring for your body and your spine by staying hydrated isn't difficult, but it is important! So keep on sipping!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.