Physical pain costs us a lot emotionally and monetarily.

Chronic pain takes over your every thought… conversely, if you have luckily never been in pain on an ongoing basis, it isn’t something you would likely think about or consider proactive treatment for… but you might just want to pause for a moment and consider…

You can achieve a healthier spine through chiropractic care.

A surprising 90% of the United States population may just be affected by a spine misalignment and accompanying back or neck pain at some point during their life. This includes those involved in accidents, those who lift heavy weight repeatedly or do repetitive motions for work or sport, those who are overweight, and smokers. With all of these high-risk categories, it’s a good idea to be supportive proactively of your spine health so that problems never develop.

How to maintain a healthy skeletal system

Manage your weight. It is far too easy to gain weight and not notice until you have packed on 20, 30 or more. Staying within 10 lbs of your ideal body weight is the most healthy option.  When we gain weight, our bodies distribute it evenly.  But if you picked up a 30 lb. weight and tried to carry it around for an hour you might get a better idea of what you are doing to your body. Every organ has to work harder. That means more wear and tear, especially on the spine.

Strength training. Muscle is the support for your spine. Lack of muscle tone makes it more likely you will pull things out of place and cause subluxations. subluxations lead to pain and if left untreated deterioration and even disease.

Eat healthy in reasonable portions. When dining out portions in the USA are not reasonable. Restaurants give you the most for your money. That can mean dishing out each customer a plate with 2 to 3 servings of food on it. Clean your plate is no longer solid advice. Stop eating when you are full and take leftovers home and eat them the next day as another meal. Your body and wallet will thank you.

Bend and stretch! Before you work out, always stretch. It helps to limit injury and contributes to physical fitness. This is one vital component that many people, even hardcore gym rats, forget. 

Quit Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow to the entire body. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals none of which are good for your health. The sad fact is that smokers are actively slowing the body’s ability to heal. This includes your spine.

Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night and try and go to bed at the same time every night.

Pain while sleeping is not normal and needs to be corrected.

• Side sleepers – reduce pressure on the spine by putting a pillow between your knees.
• Back sleeping placed almost 50 pounds of additional pressure on the spine that can be reduced by 50% if a supportive pillow is placed under the knees.

Your Stance

Never lock your knees while standing. It places pressure on your lower back. Always keep knees slightly bent.

Pushing. Pick pushing over pulling. Use your leg muscles to avoid back strain.

Sitting (especially extended periods of time). Avoid slouching at all costs. Back straight, spine straight. Do not round your shoulders. Keep your knees slightly higher than hips. Head up and looking straight forward.

The Lift. Never lift with your back. Always engage the legs. Avoid twisting.

Carrying. Once you are at a carry, keep the object close to the body and use both hands to help distribute the weight.

Reaching and Bending. Bend your knees rather than at the waist. If something is above shoulder height, get a stool. Straining to reach high can cause neck, shoulder, and mid-back injury.

Adding these simple physical motion strategies can increase your odds of living a pain-free, healthy life!

If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555.