A healthy spine is an often-overlooked and essential part of a healthy lifestyle. During National Chiropractic Health Month, we want to highlight chiropractic’s roll in achieving spinal health.

The spine, also known as the vertebral column, has many important functions. It’s part of the frame work of bones that hold us up and allow us to move. It also houses and protects the spinal cord that supplies the nervous system with connections to every part of body.

Unfortunately, approximately 80% of the population suffers from spinal pain at some point. People who are overweight or obese, and who smoke, lift heavy objects, or had a previous episode of back pain, are more likely to experience back pain.

Chiropractic Care

A Chiropractor’s primary focus is adjusting the spine. They are trained to locate and correct areas where there is abnormal motion, misalignment, and/or dysfunction. Correcting these are critical to spinal health.

If an area of the spine is moving too much, injuries can occur in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Too little, and the shock absorbing discs can be negatively affected.

Misalignments or abnormal posture can increase strain on certain areas of the spine leading to early degeneration. This is especially true of forward head posture and the base of the neck.

What you can do

Because so many people suffer from spine pain, it’s important for you to try to keep your spine as healthy as possible. In addition to getting checked by a chiropractor, simple posture, lifting, and healthy lifestyle guidelines can help you keep your back in good shape.

Standing

  • When standing, keep one foot slightly in front of the other, with your knees slightly bent. This position helps to take the pressure off your low back.
  • Keep your head level. Your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward or to the side.
  • Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.
  • At all times, avoid twisting while lifting. Twisting is one of the most dangerous movements for your spine, especially while lifting.
  • If the item is too heavy to lift, pushing it is easier on your back than pulling it. Whenever possible, use your legs, not your back or upper body, to push the item.
  • If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you.

Sitting

  • Keep your knees slightly lower than your hips, with your head up and back straight.
  • Avoid rolling your shoulders forward (slouching).
  • Try to maintain the natural curve in your low back.

Reaching and Bending

  • When reaching for something above shoulder level, use a ladder or step stool. Straining to reach such objects may not only hurt your mid-back and neck, but it can also bring on shoulder problems.
  • Do NOT bend over at the waist to pick up items from the floor or a table.
  • Instead, kneel down on one knee, as close as possible to the item you are lifting, with the other foot flat on the floor and pick the item up.
  • Or bend at the knees, keep the item close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.

Sleeping

  • Sleeping on your back puts approximately 50 pounds of pressure on your spine. You side may be better.
  • Placing a pillow under your knees while lying on your back cuts the pressure on your spine roughly in half.
  • Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees may also reduce the pressure on your back.
  • Never sleep in a position that causes a portion of your spine to hurt. Most often, your body will tell you what position is best.

Technology

  • When texting, bring your arms up in front of your eyes so that you don’t need to look down to see the screen.
  • When using a computer or mobile device, look down with your eyes, and if you wear glasses, make sure you also can scan the entire screen without moving your head.
  • When sitting at a device, make sure your feet are firmly flat on the floor or footrest with your knees lower than your hips. Make sure you can use the device without reaching.
  • Never pinch the phone between your ear and shoulder. Use a headset to reduce shoulder strain.

Source: American Chiropractic Association

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.