Keep a Tight Leash on Back Pain

By Krista Elliott

We've all heard how being around dogs is good for you emotionally and physically. They're considered man's (or woman's) best friend, and with good reason. They're our pal when we can't (or don't want to) spend time with fellow humans, they can be service dogs for those with disabilities, they make excellent workout buddies, and are sympathetic confidantes when life gets "ruff."

My sister has a sweet little beagle named Mia. Yep, a beagle: The hyperactive yodelers of the pack, and the type of dog all the neighbors love (ahem). Heading out for "walkies" with Mia is fun, but that changes when a squirrel runs by, at which point Mia does her level best to yank my sister's arm clean out of its socket. Add in the risk of slips and falls from the potent combination of uneven sidewalks plus determined beagle, and we're talking a major risk of strains, subluxations, and even serious joint injuries. 

Give a Dog a Bone (But Keep Yours Safe)

Despite the risk, we do love our dogs. So, here are ways to enjoy walking with your furry friend while keeping your spine and joints safe.

• Obedience training may not turn your dog into the perfect pooch, but it should at least help with the basic task of getting your dog to heel while walking, instead of pulling ahead and making your arm feel like it's going to be pulled straight off.

• Wear sensible footwear, like sneakers or sport sandals for the warmer days, and grippy boots when it's wet outside. This will help reduce the odds of joint-damaging slips, trips, and falls.

• Instead of a standard collar, try using a no-pull harness, or for stronger dogs, a head halter. Either option will help deter pulling while still being safe and comfortable for your dog.

• Bend at the knees when scooping your dog's poop, or get a long-handled scooper that allows you to stay upright while cleaning up after your dog. 

And the best tip of all? Visit The Joint Chiropractic regularly for routine chiropractic care, which will help keep your joints and spine in the best alignment possible. Regular care from The Joint may improve your range of motion, balance, and resistance to joint and spine injuries by catching and treating small subluxations and misalignments before they turn into larger issues. And if you do take a tumble while walking your furry friend, gentle and targeted adjustments from The Joint can help realign the spine, treat subluxations, and relieve your aches and pains.

So take yourself for a walk to The Joint today, and get the kind of chiropractic care that will have you feeling so great, you'll wish you had your own tail to wag.