Achieve a Healthier Spine in Grand Rapids MI

How often do you think about your spine? Like many of us in Grand Rapids MI, that number is zero. We presume everything is good as long as we can get by every day unless you have back discomfort. People with persistent back pain or injuries have a hard time forgetting the pain or the things that are now difficult to do because of the discomfort. Back discomfort has a financial and emotional cost. For additional information, call our Grand Rapids MI chiropractic clinic.

In fact, almost 80-90 percent of the population will have spinal difficulties and back pain at some point in their lives. Aside from accident victims, smokers, obese people, and heavy lifters are particularly in danger. So there's a good case for living a healthy lifestyle and striving for a healthy spine.

For ideal spine health read the tips below:

FITNESS AND DIET in Grand Rapids MI

• Maintain a 10-pound weight range. Common sense confirms the biomechanical reasoning that excess body weight causes stress on the human frame, especially the spine.
• Boost your core muscles. Low back pain might be caused by a lack of muscle in this region.
• Maintain a balanced, healthful diet. If you combine this diet with a regular exercise regimen that works into your schedule, you will see improvements in your weight, health, and confidence.
• Before and after your workout, stretch!
• Consult your doctor before starting any diet or fitness plan. Concerns about your health may necessitate expert advice.

QUIT SMOKING

Smokers have a harder time recuperating physically than non-smokers. The almost 4000 compounds in cigarettes limit blood flow throughout the body. This limitation inhibits healing in many regions of the body, including the spine.

HEALTHY SLEEPING BEHAVIOURS

• Support your body while sleeping. Pain at any time is not natural, so choose a position that helps you sleep.
• Back sleepers contribute approximately 50 pounds of strain to the spine, which may be alleviated by nearly half by placing a supporting cushion beneath the knees.
• A cushion between the knees helps side sleepers relieve spine discomfort.

GOOD POSTURE WHILE STANDING

• Standing with legs locked puts strain on the back. Place one foot in front of the other, knees slightly bent.
• Avoid standing with your back bent for long periods of time.

LIFTING IN A SENSIBLE WAY

• Always lift with your legs. Don't only use your back muscles.
• When lifting, avoid twisting.
• If you can push or pull something, do it. Always push instead of pulling, and use leg muscles to reduce back tension.
• Get assistance.
• Carry the object close to the body and distribute the weight evenly between both hands.

SITTING POSTURE

• Avoid sagging. Maintain a straight spine and shoulders. Avoid rounded shoulders and a flattened lower back.
• Keep your knees somewhat higher than your hips.
• Keep your head up and face front.

BENDING/REACHING GUIDE

• Gently bend legs to pick up things. Don’t bend at the waist.
• Use a stool to reach items higher than shoulder height. Reaching above the head might injure the neck, shoulders, and mid-back.
• Place your body as near to the item as possible to decrease strain.
• There are no certainties in life, but following these basic, common sense guidelines will boost your chances of living a pain-free, healthy life!

Please contact our Grand Rapids MI team at Outlook Chiropractic & Wellness if you have any questions.