Taking the time to spoil your spine now can be an effective way to minimize the risk of experiencing some level of discomfort and full-blown pain in the future. Additionally, a lot of the things you can do to treat your spine have benefits that can apply to all aspects of your health. Here are a few ways to promote spine health, presented by The Spine Institute in Los Angeles.
The muscles that support your spine tend to function better when flexible and strong. Even 20-30 minutes of daily exercise can be beneficial. Further maintain the mobility of your spine with:
Being relaxed mentally can help reduce stress, which is a good thing for your spine. Learning basic meditation and breathing techniques is one way to achieve this goal.
Slouching in chairs or bending your neck and shoulders to check messages can place added pressure on your spine. If you have to do a lot of sitting, consider investing in an ergonomic chair.
Invest in a supportive mattress and avoid positions likely to place extra pressure on your spine, such as sleeping on your stomach. Getting plenty of recuperative sleep is also good for your spine.
The spongy discs between the bones of your spine need proper hydration to provide optimal support. The general recommendation is eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Improper alignment of your feet can affect your lower back and supporting nerves. Avoid excessively high heels and choose shoes with a stable base.
Instances of back pain are much higher among smokers than non-smokers. One study suggests that quitting may reduce spinal degeneration.
The buoyancy of the water makes swimming a gentle way to work back muscles. The cold water can also ease inflammation.
Lifting with your back is one of easiest ways to throw your spine out of whack. Instead, lift with your legs and know when to ask for a helping hand.
Finally, don’t ignore early warning signs. If you’re experiencing unusual aches and pains in your back, see your doctor or make an appointment with an experienced board-certified back doctor in Los Angeles.
To learn more about spine health or to schedule an in-person consultation, reach out to The Spine Institute at (310) 828-7757. Our team of experienced spine physicians are leaders in both spinal fusion and motion-preserving spine surgeries and can help you determine the right treatment for your condition.