Maintaining spinal health is crucial for your overall well-being. That’s because your spine provides bodily support, enables movement, and protects the nervous system. When good spinal health is NOT maintained, you may experience back pain, discomfort, and even more severe health problems.
The good news is that developing the right habits can help with improving and maintaining spinal health. Here, we’ll discuss some helpful tips for keeping your spine healthy so you can prevent pain, minimize discomfort, and avoid other spine-related issues.
8 Healthy Habits for Maintaining Spinal Health
1. Maintain good posture for ultimate spinal health.
When sitting, your back should be straight and your shoulders should be kept back. Ideally, you should use a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. Keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs whenever possible.
When standing, choose a position that evenly distributes your weight across both feet. Maintaining good posture also includes avoiding slouching or leaning to one side for prolonged periods of time.
2. Lift objects using the proper body mechanics.
Whenever you need to lift something heavy, resist the urge to bend at the waist. Instead, bend your knees and squat as you pick up the object. Hold it close to your body and lift with your legs, not your back. This enables much of the heavy lifting to be done by large leg muscles instead of straining muscles in your back.
3. Stay active and exercise regularly.
Routine physical activity strengthens the muscles that support your spine. Pick an activity you enjoy, such as swimming or biking, to encourage consistency and regular exercise. Including core-strengthening exercises in your daily routine can further support your back muscles and help prevent lower back strain.
4. Include stretches in your exercise regimen.
Stretching helps maintain spinal health by improving flexibility and reducing muscle tension. This can alleviate pressure on the spine and prevent injuries. Additionally, regular stretching enhances blood flow to the spine, promoting the delivery of essential nutrients and maintaining the health of spinal discs.
5. Sleep in the right position to promote good spinal health.
It’s important to use a mattress that provides adequate support. Sleep on your back or side rather than your stomach. In addition, use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the overall strain on your spine. This lowers your chances of developing back pain and other spinal conditions. In addition, a healthy weight supports overall musculoskeletal health, allowing for better posture and spinal alignment.
7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Drinking enough water on a daily basis keeps your spinal discs hydrated and healthy. Since spinal discs contain a great deal of water, staying hydrated helps them keep their cushioning properties and helps you feel better.
8. Schedule routine visits with your local chiropractor.
A chiropractor can assist you with maintaining spinal health by performing adjustments to correct misalignments, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain. Additionally, they offer personalized advice on exercises and lifestyle modifications to prevent future spinal issues and enhance overall well-being.
How Can a Chiropractor Be Your Best Partner for Spinal Health Maintenance?
The list above gives you a few things YOU can do on a daily or weekly basis to maintain good spinal health. Now, let’s zero in on what a CHIROPRACTOR can do to help you improve or maintain a healthy spine.
- Spinal adjustments – These are done to correct spinal misalignments but can help improve mobility, alleviate pain, and restore proper nervous system function.
- Pain relief – Through hands-on adjustments and other methods, chiropractors provide treatment that is effective in treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Rather than using medication to manage symptoms, they get to the root of the problem which leads to longer lasting pain relief.
- Improved posture – Through adjustments and exercises, chiropractors can help correct poor posture. This reduces strain on the spine and prevents future problems.
- Enhanced mobility and flexibility – With routine visits to your local chiropractor, it’s possible to improve your range of motion and flexibility. This helps with maintaining good spinal health and makes everyday tasks easier.
- Preventative care – Chiropractors provide advice on ergonomics, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to prevent spinal issues before they start. Regular check-ups can often catch potential problems early.
Chandler Chiropractic Care for Lifelong Spinal Health
Maintaining spinal health should be a daily priority. Simple habits like exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and visiting the chiropractor can go a long way toward ensuring a healthy spine for life.
Schedule an appointment with our Chandler chiropractor today and get started on the path toward healthy, pain-free living!
