From slouching to sitting in wrong postures all day long, your spine can suffer from discomfort and pain. 80% of people go through a series of spinal problems throughout their lifestyle just because of unhealthy habits. People can start suffering from spinal health issues as early as 29 years old and if you are obese – it can start way earlier! In Kennesaw Georgia, many people suffer from spinal discomfort due to obesity and seriously find ways to improve their overall lifestyle.
You need to take proper precautions and steps to improve your spinal health. If you are working hard without any breaks to comfort your spine, it’s about time that you started doing something about your spine.
Side-Effects of an Unhealthy Spine
An unhealthy spine can result in a lot of health issues. A few common issues are:
- Constant pain
- Inability to sit properly
- Numbness
- Weak arms and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems controlling the bladder and bowel movement
Steps to Improve Spine Health
If you are looking for ways to improve your overall spinal health, we have discussed some tips and tricks that will help you take better care of your spine and strengthen the core.
Maintain A Healthy Posture
A good human posture is when your shoulder blades are retracted, the neck is straight and the pressure in the spine is lifted. This is the most effective position to work in. Unfortunately, many people forget to sit in a proper position and ‘unwantedly’ slouch. Luckily, there are many gadgets available (electronic and non-electronic) that can help you keep your spine incredibly aligned. Obese women who have a larger bust might feel intense pressure on their posture.
According to several research and studies, maintaining a good posture will show several health benefits. Some of them are:
- Looking taller
- Having a more confident personality
- A better way of living
- More energy and being active than usual
- No pressure on the spine
- Reduced to eliminated discomfort
Hiring a chiropractor in Kennesaw will help you improve the posture and even relieve pressure from unwanted spots. People have reported experiencing incredible relief in their overall condition.
Deep Breathing
Not many people practice this but breathing deeply can actually improve your posture. You need to follow a few basic steps to be able to breathe properly. The steps to proper deep breathing are:
- Place your hands on the abdomen
- As you breathe feel your abdomen moving
Deep breathing can actually reduce the pain and causes the spinal nerves to move between different spinal channels. Inhale and exhale as many times as you want during the day. In fact, deep breathing can also help you promote lung health and better oxygen circulation.
Include Different Exercises in Your Routine
Exercising for only ten minutes a day with simple workouts focused on just the core can act as a therapeutic aid to strengthen the core. Some of the most common exercises include:
- Neck stretches
- Side bends
- Shoulder stretches
- Up and down stretching.
A few exercises that might help you relieve pressure from the spine are:
- Plank
- Side bends with weights
- Butt bridge
- Pushups
- Toe touches with weights
- Deadlifts
Obviously, adding weights will require you to use extra strength but you will see the results much faster and you can build muscle mass. For people struggling with spinal health issues due to their weight, exercising can burn extra calories, reduce back fat and also help you get in shape.
Watch Your Diet
Unless you struggle with weight, you might think that looking after your diet is not necessary for a healthy spine. Contrary to this, diet really does play an important role in maintaining a healthy spine.
Include lots of proteins, healthy unsaturated fat as well as fruits and vegetables to keep the fluids in your spine and sufficient muscle mass to maintain a healthy posture. Also, as we discussed that being overweight and obese can lead to spinal health degeneration, eating healthy foods can definitely help you from gaining weight. You can also consider including different multivitamins which will help reduce nerve pain. The most commonly prescribed ones are:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- B-complex
Do not hesitate to munch on your favorite foods every now and then but building your entire lifestyle around unhealthy food choices can result in many other health complications as well.
Get Yourself Enough Sunlight
Sun is a source of nourishment for the body. No wonder many people consider praying to this ball of helium and hydrogen. Sunlight is beneficial for your body as it helps you to activate the body and encourages it to maintain a healthy sitting and standing position. The abundance of vitamin D in the sun will encourage your body to strengthen itself. Many people who practice yoga in the sun claim to have seen amazing benefits to their overall health.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Many studies have linked poor sleep with an elevated level of issues in the cervical and lumbar region of the spine. You need to get at least six to eight hours of sleep. It’s not just the hours that count. In fact, you also need to sleep in a posture that allows your spine to relax. The best position is sleeping on your right side with your right hand. Sleeping on the side will relieve pressure on the spine and put minimal weight on it. Here are a few things you need to consider for a night of better sleep:
- Create a proper sleeping environment
- Select a mattress that is neither too hard and not too soft – yes even too much softness can cause the posture to deteriorate.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees.
- Stop using electronic gadgets at least an hour before bedtime.
- Visit your chiropractor in Kennesaw if your spine hurts and you are unable to sleep properly.
Conclusion
Spinal health is extremely important for regular functioning. If you want to perform at an optimal level daily, you need to keep in mind a few tips you maintain your spinal health. Just by adding proper diet, sleep and exercise, you are halfway there!