Tips for a Healthy Spine

These tips for a healthy spine will help improve your quality of life. By taking care of your spine, you can avoid the pain and discomfort that may keep you from performing routine tasks or simply enjoying a pain-free existence. Moreover, a healthy spine, which includes the neck and the back, allows one to enjoy a full range of activities without the inconvenience of chronic pain. Utah Accident Clinic gathered some of our favorite tips from our professional chiropractors to help you with spine health.   

Pay Attention to Posture

Does your job require spending long hours at a desk or lots of manual labor? Odds are good that you’re slouching without even realizing it. Poor posture is one of the most common factors that contribute to back pain. The key to maintaining proper posture is mindfulness. One tip for a healthy spine is to improve your posture. Pay attention to the way you sit, as well as the way you walk. Sit up straight and walk tall, maintaining a proper balance and body alignment. Simple awareness of posture can prevent long-term spine issues.

Sleep on Your Side

Good posture is a 24-hour a day affair. How you sleep can also have an effect on the health of your spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which puts undue stress on your spine. Sleeping on your side helps reduce strain on your back, while a supportive pillow will keep your neck in a proper position. Meanwhile, a firm mattress will ensure that you’re getting the proper lumbar support.

Maintain a Strong Core

The abdominal and lower back muscles are the core of your body. Weakness in your core muscle group will create unnecessary and harmful pressure on your spine. You don’t need to do 100 sit-ups every morning to maintain a strong core, but you should develop an exercise routine that stretches the spinal muscles to build enough strength for lower back support.

Don’t Lift with Your Back

Most of us aren’t conscious of how often we bend over to lift something off the floor. Surprisingly, the weight of the item you’re bending over to pick up is not always the most important factor. How you’re bending can easily cause a spinal injury. Bend at the knees, use your leg muscles for leverage, and avoid quick movements. One of the best tips for a healthy spine is to use correct posture when lifting. Above all, be mindful of your posture when lifting an item from below.

Watch Your Weight

Being overweight contributes to a significant amount of strain on your back. Dropping a few pounds can go a long way toward alleviating chronic back pain. With an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, you will enjoy a much more positive lifestyle and spare yourself the agony of back pain and spinal problems. Hopefully these tips for a healthy spine help you be more mindful!

Contact Utah Accident Clinic to set up a chiropractic appointment!