How often do you think about your spinal health? Most people go all day at work without ever checking their posture. They walk, bend, and lift without ensuring proper form. All of these micro-actions during the day can add up to serious spinal health issues. At Dr. Pete Lazarnick's chiropractic practice in Carrollton, GA, we help patients beat spine conditions every day, and many of them could've been prevented. In this article, we'll cover some things you can work into your routine that promote spinal wellness.
Why is spinal health important?
Your spine is a key part of your nervous system. It transmits signals from the brain throughout the entire body. It's also responsible for supporting the body to stay upright. When spinal health declines, it can cause painful problems in the nervous system. Poor back health gets worse with age, leading to pain and further musculoskeletal issues. Proper habits and management techniques can maintain good back health throughout our entire lives.
1. Check your posture.
The most important component of spinal health is posture. When the spine is in its proper anatomical alignment, it minimizes wear on the bones and allows you to move optimally. Most people don't check to make sure they aren't slouching throughout the day. They just crane over phones and laptops with no regard for their spinal health. Over time, poor posture can develop into serious health conditions. This is especially true if you must lift heavy objects since stress on the spine in bad posture can cause strain and injury.
2. Consider how you sleep.
We spend a third of our time asleep, so the position you choose to sleep in has a significant impact on your spinal health. For example, the twisted head position associated with sleeping on your front can contribute to headaches and neck pain. If you're a side sleeper, it's a good idea to place a pillow between your knees to keep your lower back aligned.
3. Manage preexisting conditions.
If you have any alarming symptoms or know you have a preexisting spinal health condition, it's important to properly manage those issues. Left alone, most spinal health conditions worsen with time.
4. Wear good shoes.
The body is an interconnected system, head to toe. An issue with one part of the system can cause problems up the chain. When considering posture and spinal health, it all starts at the feet. Good, supportive shoes keep the feet and legs aligned, which supports the spine.
If you need more support maintaining your back health or managing preexisting conditions, contact Dr. Pete Lazarnick's chiropractic practice today.