With the New Year upon us, there is no better time to commit to changes that will improve your overall health and wellbeing. While many people make the following resolutions with specific aesthetic goals in mind, they also serve to better spine health and reduce back pain.
This is one of the most common resolutions, and with good reason. Between holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, most people start the New Year carrying a few extra pounds. Not only can eating better help shed holiday weight, the nutrients found in certain foods, primarily fruits and veggies, can help reduce inflammation and lubricate joints.
Along with eating better, losing weight is at the top of the list for most. Dropping excess body weight can relieve unnecessary strain on joints and the spinal column. Some studies even suggest that just a one-pound weight loss can reduce joint stress tenfold. If you’re living with chronic back pain and considering spine surgery in the New Year, achieving a healthy weight can also help facilitate a smooth procedure and more efficient recovery.
What would the first two resolutions be without exercise? Improving physical fitness supplements both eating better and losing weight. By participating in exercises focused on the core, like swimming, Pilates, and yoga, you can strengthen your abdominal muscles, improve core stability, and better protect your spine.
It’s becoming more and more common for board-certified orthopedic surgeons to require a psychological assessment before scheduling back surgery due to the increase in non-physical factors causing back pain. Meditating on a regular basis can help you channel your stress and has been show to help resolve non-physical issues that may be contributing to pack pain.
If chronic back pain is limiting your ability to fully enjoy life, it might be time to speak with an experienced spine surgeon at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. Call (310) 828-7757 and schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Hyun Bae, Medical Director of the center. Dr. Bae can diagnose the source of your pain and determine the right course of treatment for your individual case.