Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, provides five tips to maintain a healthy and happy spine.
Your spine is a remarkable and complex structure that plays a crucial role in supporting your body and allowing you to move freely. Yet, we often take our spine for granted until it starts causing discomfort or pain.
Five Tips to Help You Care For Your Spine And Enjoy A Pain-Free, Active Life
Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good posture is fundamental to spinal health. Poor posture can strain your spine, leading to pain and discomfort. Here are some tips to improve your posture:
- Sit Properly: When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, knees at hip level, and your back against the chair’s backrest. Use a cushion or lumbar roll to support the natural curve of your lower back.
- Stand Tall: When standing, distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your shoulders relaxed to avoid locking your knees.
- Adjust Your Workspace: If you work at a desk, ensure your computer monitor is at eye level, and your chair and desk are ergonomically designed to support good posture.
- Stretch Regularly: Take breaks throughout the day to stretch your neck, shoulders, and back to prevent stiffness.
Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Exercise improves flexibility and posture while strengthening the muscles that support your spine.
Incorporate exercises like planks and bridges into your fitness routine to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles.
Stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates can improve flexibility and posture.
Maintaining a healthy weight also relieves the strain on your spine and may lower your chances of back discomfort.
Lift Safely
Improper lifting techniques can strain your spine tremendously and lead to injuries. Whether you’re lifting a heavy box or your toddler, follow these guidelines to lift safely:
- Bend Your Knees: Bend your knees instead of your waist to lower your body to the object you’re lifting.
- Hold the Load Close: Keep the load lifted close to your body to reduce the strain on your back.
- Lift with Your Legs: Use the strength of your leg muscles to lift, not your back.
- Avoid Twisting: When lifting, avoid twisting your spine. Instead, pivot your entire body to change direction.
- Ask for Help: Ask for help if anything is too heavy or hard to lift.
Invest in a Supportive Mattress and Pillow
The quality of your sleep can have a significant impact on your spinal health. An old or unsupportive mattress and an improper pillow might cause discomfort and poor sleep quality. Choose a mattress that effectively supports the natural curvature of your spine and a pillow that fits your sleeping position (side, back, or stomach).
Manage Stress
Did you know that stress can manifest physically and affect your spine? When stressed, your muscles may tense up, leading to back pain and discomfort.
Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness are all techniques that can help you manage stress and relax your muscles. If stress overwhelms you, get advice and help from a mental health professional.