strengthen spine

Overall a healthy spine means a healthy life. Your spine is literally the backbone of your health – it protects your central nervous system. Your central nervous system is made up of the mind and the spinal cord and controls all of your bodily functions from healing a cut to breathing and walking. If there is any interference, your central nervous system isn’t able to properly function. When this happens, your health can decline. Taking care of your spine is easier than you would think, just 5 simple ways to live a better life.

1. Hydration

Your body is made up of 60% of water and it needs water in order to properly function. It is recommended to drink eight 8oz glasses of water (64oz) a day; another recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces, so if you weigh 160 pounds then you should drink 80 ounces of water. Either way, staying hydrated is the first key to your health. Your spinal discs, the sacs of fluid between the vertebrae is mostly water and if not properly hydrated will shrink. As a result, movement will become uncomfortable or even painful.

2. Nourishment

Eating healthy can be difficult; usually if it tastes good, it is bad for us. But there are ways to eat a balanced diet to ensure that our body gets the nutrients it needs for cellular growth, muscle function, and spinal health. Without the proper vitamins and nutrients, your body will not perform at its prime. It would be like using regular motor oil instead of when the owner’s manual specifies using synthetic – it works but things may not perform at their best or for long.

3. Strengthen

The best way to ensure that you have a health spine is to have a strong spine. This does not mean that you have to go out and “pump iron” for an hour a day. Your goal should be to strengthen your core. The core is a muscle group that is comprised of your abdominal muscles, your spinal muscles, and the muscles located at the floor of your pelvis. A strong core means that your spine is protected by the surrounding muscle groups from injuries caused by incorrect lifting or poor posture. Doing regular core strengthening exercises will produce a stronger back and reduce lower back pain.

4. Stretch

In addition to strengthening your muscles you will also need to stretch them. Limber muscles are less likely to be injured such as a pulled or torn muscle. There are a number of ways to stretch your spine and surrounding muscles. A popular exercise, Yoga, is not your only choice. There a numerous stretches that you can perform while working at your desk at work such as standing up and reaching for the ceiling and the bending over and reaching for your toes. Then bend at your side and reach above your head with your outside arm. The goal is to reach out as far as you can so that you can feel the muscles stretching.

5. Upper Cervical Care

Getting regular adjustments from an Upper Cervical Doctor isn’t just a gimmick. There are numerous health benefits of making sure your spine is well taken care of. Getting an adjustment is much like seeing a dentist regularly even when you don’t have a cavity. You go to prevent issues from arising. Why not just go to a regular chiropractor then? Well with the care provided by and Upper Cervical Doctor, there is no popping, cracking, twisting, or pushing of your spine. Our method is more advanced and essentially pain free.