What can I do to Maintain a Healthy Spine?

Our doctors often get asked the question, "What can I do to maintain a healthy spine?" There are many components that play a part in a healthy spine, that are as easy as taking a walk or adding in a glass of water to your diet! Chiropractic care is a great way to provide health to your spine, as well as provide pain relief and improve mobility! These are quick and easy ways you can help your spinal health inside and outside of the clinic.

Maintaining Good Posture. 

Your spine has what is called transition areas, these transition areas are where a large amount of stress is absorbed in the spine. If you have poor posture throughout the day, such as the classic slumped, head forward posture while working at the computer, it can place a large amount of stress on an important transition area at the base of the neck where the cervical spine meets the thoracic spine, or put simply where the neck meets the back at the top of the shoulders. This commonly leads to...

• Head aches
• Body aches
• Rounded shoulders and other muscular imbalances
• and even low back pain! 

This can be solved by simply taking the time to make small changes such as adjusting the monitor screen to eye level, or adjusting the work chair so the hips and knees are at 90 degrees.

Having a Well Conditioned Spine.

The body loves movement! Movement provides fluid to joints allowing them to move and glide more freely. Movement promotes blood flow, which promotes healing as well as provides nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Movement also decreases the progression of arthritis in the spine. Movement will also decrease the risk of injury! When people hurt their back doing something simple such as sweeping, or picking up a child,  often times it is due to deconditioning of the spine. The list goes on and on for benefits related to movement and the spine, even if it's as simple as adding in a walk throughout the day, this is a very important component of a healthy spine. if pain is stopping you, chiropractic care should be your first choice for regaining that mobility and becoming pain free. 

It is Fueled Right? 

Staying hydrated throughout the day is important in reducing the body's inflammation, removing toxins and lubricating joints. Avoiding C.R.A.P meaning...

• Carbonated drinks
• Refined sugars
• Artificial sugars and sweeteners
• Processed foods 

Avoiding C.R.A.P can help avoid inflammation, improve energy levels and help your body function easier. Implementing more fiber into your diet as well as healthy fats, is great for maintaining a healthy appetite fending off cravings and controlling blood sugar levels. This is important for a healthy spine because any added body weight adds additional stress to the spine and joints of the body, which can accelerate the progression of degeneration and up your chances of injury. 

Maintaining Well Conditioned Core Strength. 

Having good core strength is important in providing stability to the low back. A well developed core will take the responsibility away from the muscles of the low back providing them relief, decreasing strain and relieving pain. Also a well conditioned core will assist in improving overall strength and athletic ability. If you have questions on spinal health, exercises or the correct way to do an exercise, consult one of our excellent chiropractors.

406-551-2177

gallatinvalleychiropractic.com