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Health & Fitness

Keeping Your Spine Strong

Sometimes folks seem to forget that the spine is a part of the central nervous system, and keeping the spine healthy is crucial to keeping the whole system up and running. 

It’s important to keep your spine’s health in the forefront of your body care regimen as a happy healthy spine means unwanted symptoms are kept at bay. No one wants to be suffering from numbness, back pain, and weakness in the arms and legs. Here are some helpful tips to follow to keep your spine working at 100%, and keep back problems at bay. 

  • Your mom was right, stand up straight: “Good posture is defined as ears aligned with the shoulders and the ‘angel wings’ or the shoulder blades, retracted.” When your spine is properly aligned, you are avoiding spinal stress, and when you avoid slouching you are also helping prevent weight gain, migraines and many other health problems. 
  • Breathe deep from the belly: When you take deep breaths from your belly you are allowing “spinal nerves to move within the spinal channels, diminishing pain.” When you can throughout the day place your hands on your stomach and feel it move in and out as you breathe deeply. This will help improve your posture, and improve your spine’s health. 
  • Step outside and place in the sun: Getting some sunshine in your day will boost your vitamin D levels in your body. Vitamin D is great for strengthening bones, and this is something your spine can definitely appreciate. Not to mention getting a little sun in your day helps boost immunity, and lift spirits!
  • Get some good shut-eye: There have been several studies completes that show if you aren’t getting enough sleep at night you increase your risk of neck and back problems. You want to make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep, creating a sanctuary where you feel safe when you sleep, and of course sleeping in a back friendly position.

Remembering to keep your spine’s health on your priority list will keep you much happier as the years move forward. 

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A bad back is something we normally associate with older age, but people are reporting these issues earlier and earlier. Over 80% of the population will deal with spinal problems, and chronic pain complaints are starting as early as 29 years old. By following the above tips you are giving yourself a better chance at living a life free of back pain. It’s a good idea to also do maintenance on your spine too. If you have a chiropractor, drop by for a quick adjustment, and make sure you are keeping the spine properly aligned. Stand up straight, and enjoy a pain free life! 

 

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