The spine is said to be the center of our organism and our overall being; after all, haven’t you ever used the term ‘backbone’ for something which is essential and the most important?
Its health and condition have been proved crucial for out general health, so it’s really important to take good care of our backbone. In the times when our work days consist of eight plus hours of constant sitting, staring at the screens, and frequent lack of physical activity (or on the other hand, the excess of it) we can say our spine is as endangered as ever.
Not that much from the heavy burdens and physical toil our ancestors used to undergo, but mostly from physical inactivity and poor posture. So we need to pay attention to it more than ever and make sure we at least sublime the negative effects of today’s way of life leaves on our back. Here are a few simple tips that will help you keep your spine in good shape, lest you need to seek professional spine manipulation help.
Be Aware
Very often we realize some posture had been extremely uncomfortable for our back only once we get out of it. That’s because we are often so immersed in what we’re doing, especially on our computers, that we become completely unaware of our position.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the way you’re sitting and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible before you start working. The same goes for walking. We often bend our spine and shoulders and keep our back in a very unnatural position while walking, without even realizing it.
It is, therefore, essential to keep a good posture while walking, with your back straight, shoulders slightly aback, without bending your lower spine. All this initially requires constant poking and reminding, so that’s why it’s important to be aware and constantly, or at least occasionally pay attention to your body’s current posture and fix it if necessary, as long-term bad body posture is one of the main causes of back problems.
Sleep Well
Be mindful of your spine’s position while you are in a conscious state, but it’s equally important to take care of your posture while you’re sleeping. This isn’t exactly easy; it’s not like you can consciously control your movement at that moment, but you do have the possibility to provide all the necessary conditions to make sure your spine is fine and happy while you’re asleep.
Those conditions are obviously your bed, mattress, and pillow. Make sure they are as comfortable and anatomical as possible, that they are suitable for your sleeping style and your potential back problems. The mattress and pillow should provide the right support for your neck and back and enable the muscles to get some real rest, without having to do the pillow’s and mattress’s job of supporting your body. Otherwise, they might complain in the morning in the form of pain and stiffness, and that’s definitely not what you want.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excessive sitting and excessive weight can be a recipe for a disaster when it comes to your spine. You should try not to overburden your back with too much weight which puts a great pressure on it.
A healthy diet along with sufficient physical activity, even better, exercises for the back recommended by a professional will help you keep your spine straight and healthy. Excessive fat, especially in the belly part can be an additional burden to your ligaments, tendons, and muscles and lead to lower back pain.
Keeping your back muscles strong is crucial, but also try to keep your abs in good shape so they could help support your body weight and keep your body straight and erect.
Treat Your Back
First of all, even if you don’t have any or at least any serious problems, have a medical check-up to make sure your spine is in good health. In case of some minor issues or deformities, make sure to follow the doctor’s advice.
But even if everything is in perfect order, make sure you keep it that way. Besides paying attention to your posture and weight, you can occasionally treat yourself with a back massage which will help your muscles relax and break all potential tensions which may be keeping your spine in discomfort. Also, visit a well-renowned chiropractor and get a detailed check-up and treatment. You may not be feeling it, but your spine might need some adjustment. Plus, chiropractic treatment is beneficial for your overall health and immune system, not just for your back condition.
In order to keep your spine well-adjusted and pain-free, you need to be mindful of potential problems, so try thinking about your posture from time to time and adjusting it if needed.
