A Healthy Lifestyle for Spinal Health

Over the past centuries, lifestyles have changed significantly for all Americans. Those changing lifestyles have had a significant impact on our spinal health. For many people, chronic problems have developed with their spines. For others, some form of a spinal issue has dominated their life. You can take steps to help you maintain a healthy spine and avoid chronic problems that plague many people in their later years. Here are some things you can do to improve your lifestyle so that your spinal health improves overall.

Sleeping posture

Many people tend to sleep on their sides while sleeping on the stomach or the back is less common. Sleeping on the stomach should be avoided for the most part. If that is your preference, you should keep a pillow between your legs to maintain a lateral position. You should avoid bending the neck when sleeping on your side, as this may cause stiffness. You can use a pillow with a sufficient height to cover the distance between your neck and shoulder to provide a more natural position for your neck and spine. If you sleep on your back, you won’t need as thick a pillow.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise is essential for keeping muscles relaxed and avoiding tension throughout the body and the spine. It also enhances blood circulation and increases joint flexibility. Additionally, activities like swimming and walking will help you lose weight and keep the muscles active and flexible.

Workspace setup

It’s beneficial to use good ergonomics at work because this can go a long way toward making sure your spine stays healthy. Follow some of the following practices at work:

• make sure to use furniture that supports your lower back
• don’t sit for hours at a time in the same position
• take regular breaks and change your seating position whenever possible
• make sure your feet rest flat on the floor, with your upper legs parallel to the floor.

Use good weight lifting form.

Whenever it becomes necessary for you to lift something heavy, make sure to use the proper weight lifting form to avoid straining your back. Using proper technique means you will need to stand close to the object and bend at the knees. While keeping the back and head straight, lift the item. But if you sense that it’s too heavy, don’t be bashful about asking for help.

Maintain a balanced diet

Include the right amount of nutrients and vitamins in your daily diet. A proper diet ensures your general health is maintained and your spine receives all the nutrition it requires. You should incorporate foods like fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, leafy vegetables, milk products, fish, and legumes into your daily diet. Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of water, as this aids body functionality and keeps the disks at the appropriate height.

Stay active and mobile to avoid the aches and pains associated with a sedentary lifestyle. If you are experiencing pains from sitting, contact our team for an initial consultation to learn how chiropractic care can benefit your health.