How to Keep Your Spine Healthy in Santa Monica, CA

Affecting about 30 million people in the United States, back pain is something most people are familiar with on a personal level. Even if you’re not presently affected by back pain, you can still celebrate this year’s World Spine Day on October 16th by doing something productive for your back. Santa Monica spine surgery professionals suggest taking these 5 preventive measures.

1. Get Plenty of Rest

Recuperative sleep is necessary to heal spinal tissues. Give your back a good rest by choosing a comfortable mattress and avoiding positions that tend to throw off alignment such as sleeping on your stomach. Strive for 7 to 8 hours of sleep and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

2. Maintain Core Muscle Strength

The spine receives muscle support from both the “back” and “front,” meaning stronger core muscles can ease the burden from your daily movements. Most core strengthening exercises are fairly simple and not too time-consuming.

3. Wear Comfortable, Supportive Shoes

Do your spine a favor by being mindful of what you wear on your feet. Shoes that are excessively snug or elevated above an inch in the heel can throw off spinal alignment.

4. Embrace Ergonomics

If you have to spend most of your day sitting, choose a chair designed to offer support to your spine. Make an effort to shift positions to prevent muscle strain, and take periodic breaks to stand up and move around to keep muscles limber.

5. Treat Yourself to a Massage

A good therapeutic massage increases circulation and encourages the release of endorphins. These “feel good” hormones naturally reduce discomfort and can minimize your dependence on pain meds if you have existing back pain.

Your can also work toward optimal spine health by avoiding excessively tight clothing, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and reducing stress as much as possible. Getting regular exercise and incorporating fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products into your diet may also help.

If you are experiencing pain in your back, reach out to The Spine Institute Center at 310-828-7757. Our team of experienced spine surgeons can diagnose your pain and provide treatment options ranging from traditional spinal fusion surgery to motion-preserving spine procedures. Call today to schedule a consultation.