Follow These Simple Tips to Protect Your Joints
Whether you are currently dealing with a pain-related condition, such as arthritis or sciatica, that is causing you to feel pain, stiffness and discomfort in your joints, or if you want to take steps now to prevent joint pain later on down the line; there are measures you can start to take to find pain relief and protect your joints from any future pain or damage.
When combined with regular chiropractic treatment sessions, following these simple tips to take care of your joints can improve your mobility and overall quality of life as well. As I learned from an article by the Arthritis Foundation, here are some easy things you can do now for pain relief and healthier joints.
You may be surprised at how much fashion can take a toll on your body, but it's true. For women in particular, it is recommended that you avoid wearing thin high heels, since the pressure they add to your feet and knees can actually greatly increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis later on in life. You'll also want to ditch bags that only hang on one shoulder, since your back needs support from both sides in order to carry your belongings without too much added stress or strain. Invest in an ergonomic backpack with padded shoulder straps to reduce strain on your neck and back.
Your diet can also play a big role in determining the health of the joints in your body. Clacium-rich foods such as whole milk and full-fat yogurt can decrease the amount of bone density lost to the aging process. If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to these foods, there are other alternatives. Foods such as broccoli, parsley, spinach, and kale are all surprisingly high in calcium content, and they can work to slow down the rate of cartilage destruction in the body as well.
When it comes to your workplace, be sure to avoid sitting or standing in one place for too long. Prevent stiffness and aches in the joints by taking frequent breaks from long periods of stillness or from performing repetitive tasks. It may help to set an alarm to go off every thirty minutes to remind you to take a brisk walk, or to stretch for a minute or so.
When you follow these easy tips in between sessions of chiropractic treatment, you will more than likely begin to enjoy the benefits that come with improved joint health and flexibility.
