The Commonwealth Games is a great reminder to enjoy spectator sports but don’t forget to focus on your own inner athlete. Our sedentary lifestyles are catching up with us and it’s time to make a change. Here are some tips on how each of us can perform and live better by backing our own inner athlete through good spinal function, reducing pain, improving posture and taking care of our health.
o REDUCE PAIN by helping de-stress your spine
o IMPROVE POSTURE by being aware of correct posture
o ACTIVATE PERFORMANCE by placing importance on good spinal health and function, alleviating pain, improving posture and mobility, and living a healthy lifestyle, to assist with improving performance in life.
REDUCE PAIN
Back pain can result from injury, spinal abnormalities, degenerative conditions and even poor posture.
DID YOU KNOW?
o Back pain is the third most common reason for taking time off work.
o Work-related activities including heavy lifting, bending and twisting, and even working in the same position for
extended periods of time can contribute to lower back problems.
o Parents are at risk of back problems due to lifting and twisting while carrying young children.
o Children are not immune to back problems.
o DIY and gardening can have an impact by placing stress on the back.
o In older people, postural issues can impact everyday activities.
o Chronic back pain can lead to a range of health issues that reduce mobility, quality of life and longevity, which in turn may cause depression.
o Neck pain is the second most common reason patients seek chiropractic care. Neck pain can be caused by degenerative
conditions, poor posture, stress, poor hydration and bad sleeping conditions.
Due to the nature of the pain and its causes, a holistic approach is needed in most cases to re-educate and adjust the body to reignite their inner athlete. Chiropractors are trained and knowledgeable professionals who conduct adjustments that address the causes of pain rather than simply treating a symptom. Chiropractic care is individually based so discuss your specific needs with your chiropractor.
IMPROVE POSTURE
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. Your posture directly affects your health.
Correcting bad posture does take discipline, but there’s no doubt the benefits are well worth the effort.
The first step is understanding the bad posture habits our lifestyle may expose us to and then taking steps to address them.
Poor posture may cause headaches, neck stiffness, back pain, fatigue, respiratory issues, poor digestion and tension by putting pressure on your spine. In many cases, this can be prevented with the correct education, adjustment and awareness of the issue. While it may take some diligence to undo bad habits, it’s worth persevering.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
o Have an ergonomic assessment. If you have a desk job, this is essential in helping to maintain your spinal health.
o Be mindful of how you perform everyday tasks – from picking up the kids to gardening, don’t put undue stress on the neck
and back.
o Bend your knees when lifting, not your back and try to avoid lifting heavy loads.
o Move regularly. Walking is a great start.
o Try to maintain an upright posture with shoulders back and head in a neutral position. If you maintain an upright posture at all times you will put less stress on your spine.
ACTIVATE PERFORMANCE
Building core muscles is critical to helping support your spine, which provides stability and protection. A good place to start is by simply walking regularly to boost mood, alertness and energy levels. It’s easy, accessible and free!
You can integrate walking into your lifestyle by planning ahead, setting goals, using a pedometer, tracking ‘everyday’ activity, engaging your friends and rewarding yourself when you reach your goals.
An active spine is a healthy spine, and a healthy spine leads to a healthier life.
For more advice contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270