The fact is that you can achieve a healthier spine through chiropractic care.
Most of us never think about our spine unless we have a problem or injury and suddenly feel pain. Conversely, those dealing with chronic pain cant often think about much else.
Physical pain costs us a lot emotionally and monetarily.
A whopping 80-90% of the population will be affected by a spine misalignment and accompanying back or neck pain at some point during their life. This includes those involved in accidents, those who lift heavy weight repeatedly or do repetitive motions for work or sport, those who are overweight, and smokers. With all of these high-risk categories, it’s a good idea to be supportive proactively of your spine health so that problems never develop.
Proven strategies for a healthy skeletal system
Exercise Regularly and Eat Well
Stay within 10 pounds of your ideal body weight. It is far too easy to gain weight and not notice until you have packed on 20, 30, even 40 lbs. or more. This is because our bodies distribute it evenly. But if you picked up a 40 lb. weight and tried to carry it around for an hour you might get a better idea of what you are doing to your body. Every organ has to work harder. That means more wear and tear, especially on the spine.
Strength training for strong core muscles. Muscle mass is what supports your spine. Lack thereof makes it much easier to pull things out of place and cause subluxations. subluxations lead to pain and if left untreated deterioration and even disease.
Eat good healthy whole foods in reasonable portions. Restaurant portions in the USA are not reasonable. Restaurants want to give you the most for your money, but that also means often giving each patron a plate with 2 to 3 servings of food on it. In this day and age “clean your plate” is not good advice. Take leftovers home and eat them the next day as another meal. Your body and wallet will thank you.
Stretching! This is one vital component that many people, even hardcore gym rats, forget. Before you work out, always stretch. It helps to limit injury and contributes to physical fitness.
Stop Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow to the entire body. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals none of which are good for your health. The sad fact is that smokers are actively slowing the body’s ability to heal. This includes your spine.
Get a Regular Sleep Cycle.
Pain while sleeping is not normal and needs to be corrected.
- Side sleepers – reduce pressure on the spine by putting a pillow between your knees.
- Back sleeping placed almost 50 pounds of additional pressure on the spine that can be reduced by 50% if a supportive pillow is placed under the knees.
Standing Posture.
Never lock your knees while standing. It places pressure on your lower back. Always keep knees slightly bent.
The Lift. Never lift with your back. Always engage the legs. Avoid twisting.
Pushing. Pick pushing over pulling. Use your leg muscles to avoid back strain.
Carrying. Once you are at a carry, keep the object close to the body and use both hands to help distribute the weight.
Sitting (especially extended periods of time). Avoid slouching at all costs. Back straight, spine straight. Do not round your shoulders. Keep your knees slightly higher than hips. Head up and looking straight forward.
Reaching and Bending. Bend your knees rather than at the waist. If something is above shoulder height, get a stool. Straining to reach high can cause neck, shoulder, and mid-back injury.
Employing these simple physical motion strategies can increase your odds of living a pain-free, healthy life!
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555.
Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.
239-332-2555