Thinking About Your Spine
By Sara Butler
Spinal health is only something people tend to think about when there’s a problem -- such as an injury or chronic pain. But the health of your spine is important and deserves to have some time invested in it! In fact, your spinal health can have a big impact on your health and wellness. There are a variety of things that can cause poor spinal health. Here are some of the biggest contributors to poor spinal health from the chiropractors at The Joint.
Poor Posture
If you sit a lot throughout the day and lead a sedentary lifestyle, it can cause structural changes to your spine that can cause big problems down the road. The muscles become weak and are unable to support your spine as they should, making it more difficult for the spine to maintain neutral alignment. Your shoulders and head may continue to move forward, placing pressure on the discs, muscles, ligaments, soft tissues, and bones that work together to give your spine the strength it needs to stay healthy. Over time, imbalances will lead to pain and discomfort.
Poor Lifting Technique
When you lift an object without practicing good posture and technique, you’re putting stress on your spine, leaving it susceptible to injury. The chiropractors at The Joint can help you understand how to properly lift anything, which should allow you to avoid situations in which you’re taken down by moving a stack of books or picking up a pencil off the floor (hey, it’s happened!).
Overuse Injuries
When you place a lot of stress and strain on your spine with repetitive movements, you may cause ligaments sprains, muscle strain, and inflammation of the soft tissues in your back. Being aware of how your lifestyle can impact your spine is the first step toward staying healthy, along with regular chiropractic adjustments that keep your spine free from joint dysfunction and restriction.
Accidents
Another common cause of poor spinal health is accidents and the subsequent injuries that can go untreated and leave you suffering. Trauma from any kind of accident, sports, or from a fall can damage any one of the many structures in your back. If injuries aren’t addressed, then they can cause more issues long after the original injury occurred.
The chiropractors at The Joint are here to help you learn more about your spine and how to care for it properly!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wayne, N.J.