There are many parts of our health that we take for granted at best, and at worst neglect because they don’t seem so important or we assume that we’ll always have it. For example, we don’t pay enough attention to our teeth, and as a result, we can end up with cavities, decay and other issues. We could drink too much alcohol and actually have a negative impact on our internal organs. One area that we tend to overlook quite significantly is our spinal health. Many people don’t think twice about their spinal health until they start experiencing back pain and other health issues that come from a problematic spine. According to personal injury lawyer firm, Caffee Law, “there are many types of spinal injuries that can affect people, including Cervical Vertebrae, Thoracic Vertebrae, Lumbar Vertebrae, and sacral vertebrae. All of these injuries impact lives in different ways, and require a lot of care and support.”
Many of the issues with spinal health people face are avoidable if they knew more about preventative measures they could take. So just what are these preventative measures for spinal health and how can you implement them? Read on for all you need to know!
Why Is Spinal Health Important?
- A healthy spine means your body has better alignment and posture which prevents the damage of other parts of the body.
- Bad spinal health can lead to costly procedures and operations as you try to correct it.
- When your spine isn’t in good health, it takes away from your quality of life. You won’t be able to enjoy your favorite active hobbies, you won’t be able to comfortably pick up and play with your kids.
If you want to take care of your spinal health, one of the most important things to do is to pay attention to your general health. Some of the ways spinal health gets affected is by not sleeping well, meaning your body doesn’t get enough rest; gaining too much weight, meaning that you put more pressure on your spine than it’s designed for; and not sleeping on a good enough surface.
Pay Attention to Posture
How you stand and how you sit has a huge bearing on your spinal cord health. If you sit or sleep in the wrong position for prolonged periods of time, you impact your spinal alignment and this not only leads to strain, but it can make you more susceptible to serious injury. It’s important to sit or stand with your shoulders back, so that you’re not putting unnecessary pressure or strain on your back and neck. It’s also important to start stretching your body at least once a day. Stretch your back, neck, and shoulders with simple movements and poses. Even consider yoga to counteract the strain your body takes on.
Mind How You Use Your Devices
One of the side effects of our usage of smartphones, laptops and tablets is that we spend a lot of our time hunching forward staring into the screen. It’s actually called “smartphone slouching” It’s important to train ourselves to avoid spending too much time in the hunched forward position and this can permanently alter your posture. You can also invest in an affordable posture vest to help you correct it and ensure your spinal health. You can also use your devices on a stand to help you keep your neck straight, which will help to reduce the slouching.
Chiropractors
Sometimes you need a specialist to help you achieve optimal health in a specific part of your body. In the world of spinal health, that means considering going for a chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractor will assess your spinal health and posture, ascertain if you have any pain, and adjust your alignment to provide relief and ultimately, better spinal health. It’s important to work with a chiropractor with a great skill and a good track record so that you get the best results.
If you’re considering taking better care of your health this year, remember not to ignore the parts of your body that are actually extremely important but not that noticeable. Your spine is actually responsible for many essential functions in your body including your strength, flexibility and movement. These 3 functions are critical in the day-to-day tasks we do in our lives, whether it’s at work or at home. Taking care of your health now ensures a healthier future where you not only get to enjoy what you love doing, but avoid the costly health costs and medical bills that impact many in their lives.