Happy Spine, Happy Life
By Sara Butler
Life is a bit easier when you're working to keep your spine happy. After all, when your spine is happy you'll be in less pain, you'll recover faster when injured, and you'll move easier, too. What can you do to ensure that your spine is happy? Well, we've got a few tips that can help you get there!
Eat Well
A happy and healthy spine is one that is nourished with foods that are good for the body. This works in a few ways. First, when you eat a balanced diet, then you are providing your body with what it needs in order to work the way it was made to. The other way it works is that by eating a balanced diet, you're helping to maintain a healthy weight that takes the stress and strain of extra weight off of your spine.
Make sure to have plenty of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains in your diet. And drink plenty of water while you're at it -- that will really keep your spine happy!
Support the Spine
Yes, having a good chair and supportive mattress when sleeping are great ways to support your spine, but it's also important that you work to strengthen muscles that help support the spine.
The muscles in your abdomen and lower back, also known as the core muscles, work to provide a little extra support as you move throughout your day. Strengthening these muscles can help to reduce pain, make you less susceptible to injury, and simply work to help you feel stronger. You'll look good with improved posture, too!
Get a Good Pillow
Your pillow is vital to a happy spine but it's important to note that not every pillow is the same or will leave you feeling good in the morning. Make sure to use a pillow that helps to support the natural curvature of your spine as you sleep, no matter what position you prefer to sleep in.
Side sleepers need a thicker pillow than stomach sleepers, for example. Back sleepers may also need a specially-shaped pillow to help keep the neck and shoulders properly supported. A well-placed pillow under the knees can make your spine even happier.
Go to the Chiropractor
A good chiropractor is essential to keep your spine happy in the long term. So, see the chiropractor regularly for adjustments that ensure your spine's happiness!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Knoxville, Tenn.