5 Simple Habits for a Stronger, Healthier Spine
Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It is responsible for protecting your spinal cord, holding up your head, supporting your entire body weight, and helping you move and stay active. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a healthy spine by following some simple habits. In this blog post, we will discuss five simple habits that you can start today to help improve your spine health.
At Kennedy Chiropractic, we believe that chiropractic care is one of the best ways to achieve and maintain a healthy spine for life. We offer comprehensive chiropractic services to help you get the most out of your spine health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep reading to learn more about things you can do every day to achieve and maintain a healthy spine.
Spine Health Means Better Overall Health
The spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked on top of each other and separated by cushions called intervertebral discs. The spinal cord, the main conduit for the body’s nervous system, runs through the center of the spine, protected by the vertebrae. The nerves that branch out from the spinal cord send signals to the brain about sensation and movement.
The spine is a very strong and flexible structure, but it is also susceptible to injury and pain. Most people will experience some form of disc degeneration during their lifetime. While this may not always cause pain and discomfort, it certainly can inhibit movement and quality of life. On the flip side, when you prioritize spine health, you will not only experience less back pain and stiffness but better health throughout your entire body. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your spine by following some simple habits.
Habits to Help Maintain a Healthy Spine
Move and Stretch
One of the best things you can do for your spine is to keep it active. Just like any other muscle in your body, your spine needs regular movement to stay healthy and strong. Try to incorporate some stretching and light aerobic activity into your daily routine. Low-impact exercises that are particularly good for spine health include yoga, swimming and water aerobics, and simple walking. Getting regular exercise will help improve your range of motion, reduce stiffness, and prevent back pain.
Stand Whenever Possible
When you sit for long periods of time, it puts extra pressure on your spine. This can lead to a number of problems, including back pain, stiffness, and poor posture. Whenever possible, try to stand up and move around for at least a few minutes every hour. If you have a desk job and have the opportunity to use a standing desk, do so. Prioritizing standing throughout your day will help take the pressure off your spine and keep your muscles active.
Lift Correctly
Whenever you lift heavy objects (or people — even lifting a toddler can do a number on your back), it’s important to do it correctly. Improper lifting can put unnecessary strain on your spine and lead to back pain. When lifting something heavy, always employ the power and strength of your legs, not your back, to do the majority of the work. Squat down while keeping a straight back, grab the object, and push back to standing with your legs. This will help prevent injury and keep your spine healthy.
Seek Help when Pain Strikes
If you experience back pain, don’t try to tough it out. Seeking professional help when you experience pain is an important step in achieving long-term spine health. Your primary care doctor can help identify the cause of the issue and refer you to the appropriate specialists. You may also consider seeking the support of a chiropractor like Dr. Corinee Kennedy of Kennedy Chiropractic Center in Wauwatosa, WI.
Try Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a great way to achieve and maintain a healthy spine. At Kennedy Chiropractic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related conditions. We offer a variety of services to help improve spine health, including spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy spine.
Kennedy Chiropractic: Your Wauwatosa Spine Health Center
Chiropractic care is a great way to achieve and maintain a healthy spine. At Kennedy Chiropractic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related conditions. We offer a variety of treatments to help relieve back pain and improve spine health. We can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs and help you get on the road to recovery.
Looking for a Wauwatosa chiropractor? Contact Kennedy Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy spine.