The spine is the backbone of our physical health, it plays a pivotal role in our daily activities and overall quality of life. But let’s face it, it is never a priority until pain and discomfort arise. At Pruski Joint & Spine Center, we are committed to restoring and maintaining your physical help so you can further enhance your quality of life. These are our chiropractor in Huntsville, Texas best tips for a healthy spine.
1- Exercise is key, but do not underestimate it
- You need strong abs and back muscles to fully support your spine. Most of us don’t have the core strength necessary to support our backs properly, which often leads to lower back pain. You can start simple, by incorporating targeted exercises into your daily routine and slowly building back and therefore spine strength.
- According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you need to perform at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This means any activity within the moderate to intense range: brisk walking, jogging, swimming, mowing the lawn, aerobic dancing, strength training, or rock climbing. Not only will this help your spine, but it also improves your health overall.
While performing any physical activity, paying attention to how your spine feels is key. That’s why:
- Pay attention to your lifting technique. Either at the gym or carrying heavy objects, your technique matters. Improper lifting can place excessive strain and pressure on vulnerable areas. When lifting objects, your lower back muscles, abdomen, and legs must work together to distribute the load. When you fail to do so, you are prone to injuries like sprains, strains, herniated discs, and even chronic conditions like sciatica.
- Beware of your body’s reactions. Don’t ignore any pain or discomfort that may arise during or before exercise. Although back pain can seem quite common, it can also indicate a more serious problem. If left untreated, back problems can worsen and over time become quite serious.
2- Be mindful of your posture
Chiropractors often emphasize maintaining a ‘good’ posture but what they mean is: to train your body into the habit of performing all of your daily tasks in ways that place the least amount of strain on your back.
This desirable posture supports the structures in your back and spine to sit in alignment and optimizes functionality. Good alignment reduces the chance that ligaments in the spine will be strained. Most importantly, it helps to reduce wear and tear on the joints.
If you stand for many hours a day:
- Try standing with one foot slightly ahead of the other while keeping your knees bent. You can also try shifting your weight from your toes to your heels or from your left foot to your right one.
- Keep your head level so your shoulders and earlobes are aligned. Use your core muscles to engage your abs and further support your spine.
But if you have a desk job or sit for too many hours a day:
- Create a comfortable workstation. Invest in a good-quality chair that supports the natural curve of your lower back and provides adequate lumbar support. Position your monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain, and keep your wrists and elbows in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
- Give a standing desk a try. Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day can reduce pressure on your spine, engage your muscles, and improve circulation. If you don’t want to invest in a standing desk, you can try stacking books under your monitor
- Incorporate movement and stretching during your day. Sitting for long periods can lead to muscle stiffness and reduced circulation. Take breaks every 30 minutes to stand up, walk around, and perform simple stretches to relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.
3- If nothing’s working, talk to a chiropractor
Most of the time, you will see improvement by implementing small changes to your everyday routine. If you have tried to but the pain or discomfort is persistent, you should make an appointment with a chiropractor to discuss a treatment plan.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Huntsville, Texas Dr. Jeffrey L. Pruski can help you regain control of your body and its movement. At our Huntsville office, the Pruski Joint & Spine Center provides a welcoming and warm environment for all of its patients. Our team strives to provide personalized, compassionate care, and our physiotherapy modalities can give you the relief that you have been searching for.
Do not put aside your chance at relieving your pain and start living a comfortable life. Schedule your appointment by calling 936-295-1777 or simply click here.
