Your spine is home to your spinal cord, which forms part of the central nervous system. Unfortunately, back pain is a common problem among the population for a number of reasons. Here’s how you can protect your spine by making easy lifestyle improvements.
Sleep Positions
How you lie during sleep will impact the health of your spine over time. You may feel like you don’t have much control over your sleeping position, but with practice you can guide yourself to sleep in a way that better protects your back. Lying flat on your back is the healthiest option for your spine, but if this is uncomfortable then a pillow under your head and under your knees is also effective.
Poor Posture
How you walk each day will also have a serious effect on your spine. Slouching forwards can eventually lead to neck and back pain, and if you walk around carrying a bag, how you distribute the weight matters for your posture. A shoulder bag can cause you to subtly accommodate for the extra weight by walking differently which, over time, can cause problems. Try to avoid carrying bags on the same side or swap to an ergonomically designed backpack for better posture symmetry.
If you have pain anywhere from your feet to your hips, this can also change how you walk and therefore damage the health of your spine. Specialists such as physiotherapists in Cheltenham can assist you with a variety of issues, including joint pain. They can also assess your walking and sitting posture to make suggestions for improvement. This is especially relevant to anyone who spends a lot of time sitting at a desk every day. How you sit and the way your body is aligned needs to be within a healthy range to protect your spine.
Neck Angles
The top of your spine is your neck, and so how you position your neck is important to spine health. Many people notice a slumping forward of their necks due to looking down at mobile devices on a regular basis. Try to be mindful of the angle of your neck when using your phone, tablet, or computer. Take breaks to stretch your neck in all directions, especially if it starts to ache from being in one position for too long.
Shoulders
To help your spine, you can concentrate on keeping your shoulders aligned. Push your chest forward and roll your shoulders back and down. This helps to not only stretch your spine but also correct your posture and open your diaphragm for better breathing rhythms.
Joints
As mentioned briefly above, the health of your joints can influence your back. Keeping your ankles, knees, and hips in good positions maintains the healthy alignment of your vertebrae. The type of shoes you wear plays an important part in this, which is why you must think carefully when choosing suitable footwear.
The spine is such a crucial part of the human body and keeping it protected from unnecessary damage either through injury or wear and tear will help you live a more comfortable life for years to come.