In honor of Back Care Awareness Week, I’d like to share some important tips with you on how to take care of your back, build resilience in your spine and why it’s so crucial to do so.

 

Many of us are familiar with the tragic story of Christopher Reeves. He was the original actor to play Superman, with an impressive physical stature. Unfortunately, he suffered a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of our spine and back health. Your spine is comprised of small bones known as vertebrae that protect your spinal cord, the most vital part of your body.

 

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to serious consequences, including physical changes, loss of coordination, and a range of lesser-known complications such as bowel and bladder control issues, breathing difficulties, and a weakened immune system. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain that control various bodily functions.

 

Think of your spinal cord like a hose pipe that supplies water to your garden plants. If the hose pipe is damaged, kinked, or stepped on, your plants will suffer. They may wilt or even die without water. This is similar to the importance of taking care of your spine and back because any damage can cause issues with your nervous system. This can lead to changes in how your body functions.

 

You may think that you have no back pain, but the question is, do you feel your body’s immune response, digestive process, insulin release, or kidney function? The answer is no. You can have problems with your spine and not feel a thing because the nerves responsible for these bodily functions may not be causing pain.

 

To be as healthy as possible, it’s essential to be aware of your back and take good care of it. The only way to know how well your back is functioning is by seeing a chiropractor for a thorough assessment.

 

In the spirit of Back Care, here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy spine:

 

Move

Your body is designed to move, not to sit still. Sitting for long periods is more damaging to your spine than falls or accidents. My top tip for a better back is to move for at least 30 minutes per day, such as by walking.

 

Get adjusted

The most effective way to ensure your spinal health is by seeing a chiropractor regularly. Joints of the spine that cease to move correctly for three weeks will begin to degenerate. Therefore, regular chiropractic adjustments will keep your spine well.

 

Hydrate

The movement of the spine is aided by soft discs between the bones. These are more likely to become damaged or prolapse if they are weak and lack fluid. Therefore, drink a minimum of four pints of water per day to keep your spine hydrated.

 

Stretch

Sitting posture and time on phones and devices puts a lot of stress on the spine. Stretching regularly throughout the day can help take the tension off your spine, reduce muscular tension, and pull on the spine.

 

In conclusion, taking care of your spine and back is essential to maintain good health. Remember to follow these tips and get a chiropractic assessment regularly to ensure your spine is functioning well.

 

With love,

 

Robin

 

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