Unless we feel pain, most of us tend not to think about the health of our back. Of course, as soon as there is an ache or pain, it refuses to be ignored. Injuries can cause back pain, especially if there is a sprain, fracture, or other problem. Injuries can be caused by accidents, lack of exercise, a health condition, or being overweight. Before the pain starts, however, here are some tips for keeping your spine healthy.
Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI can take a lot of strain off of your back. Even 10 extra pounds in the midsection changes your center of gravity and places pressure on the spine. Having a good exercise routine and eating well can go a long way to maintaining your back’s health.
Slouching can put a strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Muscles are strained and pressure gets placed on the discs, ligaments, and joints when posture is ignored. Even when you sleep, it is important to pay attention to your posture. For example, keeping your head as centered as possible means sleeping on your back or having a pillow of the proper thickness for side sleeping. Also, having a pillow between your knees can help if you sleep on your side.
When sitting, it is particularly important to pay attention to your back. Whether in the car or at the office, be sure that there is enough support for your lower back. If you don’t have anything else on hand, a pillow can be your back’s best friend.
It is also important to select a mattress with the proper amount of support. You spend more time sleeping than doing just about anything else. The right amount of firmness is vital for keeping your back healthy long-term.
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When you exercise, work, or have to do anything strenuous, be sure to warm up beforehand and stretch afterward. Failure to warm up can lead to sprains and strains. Not stretching later could leave muscles tense for days.
The spine is more than just a series of bones. Tendons, ligaments, and discs all come together in a delicate balance. When the spine is aligned properly, it is a magnificent system that provides a person with a stable and strong for physical activity. Unfortunately, even a mild misalignment in the top of the neck can cause the entire back to compensate, from neck to hips. Before long, everything is out of alignment. How can you get your spine back in line?
An upper cervical chiropractor, like Dr. Christopher Perkins of Farmington, Michigan, is specially trained to detect misalignments of the C1 and C2 vertebrae and to correct them. Once these upper cervical misalignments are corrected, the body can go to work healing the problems that are the cause of most back pain.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area
Dr. Perkins grew up in Novi, Michigan and attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He received his Doctorate Magna Cum Laude with a focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Chris is well known in the community for his public speaking and holds a number of professional certifications. We are proud to say that Dr. Perkins and Perkins Family Wellness has been recognized by Hour Magazine as one of the Top Chiropractors in Metro Detroit for 3 years in row.