Spinal Wellness Tips for Better Health
By Debra Rodzinak
Daily events can cause back pain and joint stiffness. These takeaway tips are helpful if you want to keep your spine in proper alignment. Visit The Joint to begin your spinal wellness with a chiropractic adjustment.
Sitting at a Desk
When seated at a desk all day, our spines can become stiff and sore from staying in one position for too long. To help with this problem, make sure that you get up every 30 minutes to stretch and move around for a few minutes. Also, check your seat to see if it offers lower back support. I personally have a chair that has a lumbar bar that feels wonderful. Plant your feet firmly on the floor. If you need a stool because you are “vertically challenged,” make sure to get one. Move your computer screen to eye level so you are not looking down or up at it.
Standing Up
The opposite problem for some people is having to stand all day. Shoes are such an important part of spinal health and good posture. If your feet are flat or tend to roll out, your hips can be out of alignment which causes your spine to also be out of alignment. Keep your shoulders pulled back slightly and your chin up. If possible, also keep your feet at shoulder-width apart for proper alignment. I also have a cushioned pad in my kitchen to stand on when I am cooking. If you believe that your spine is already out of alignment, stop by The Joint for a quick and gentle readjustment.
Lifting
One of the most common back injuries occurs due to incorrect lifting form. Begin by squatting with the knees and hips. I have a tendency to lean forward while doing this, so check that your back is straight. Look forward and stand up by straightening your legs. Again, make sure your back is kept straight up and down, not tilted forward. If you have already injured yourself from improper lifting form, a visit to The Joint’s experts can have you back on your feet with a few gentle adjustments.
Resting or Sleeping
Known to be a common occurrence, neck or back pain can occur while we sleep. When we sleep with our necks bent at an odd angle or our backs are not properly supported due to an improper mattress, our spines suffer. Check your pillow to see that it supports your neck and head. If possible, don’t sleep on your stomach. This position puts stress on the neck and spine. If you wake up and find you have neck or back pain, drop by The Joint for an evaluation and adjustment. You’ll be sleeping soundly in no time.