Your spinal health: part two
Your spine keeps you standing, sitting, walking, dancing and all other every day activities—but what happens to it as we age? What are the conditions and disease that affect the spine? Is it inevitable that we will all end up hunched over when we’re older or are there things that can be done to keep our spines and backs strong and healthy?
Carrying on with this month’s “Your spinal health” blog, here are some of the things you can do to develop and maintain a healthy spine.
Maintaining a healthy spine
Calcium is a very important factor in the growth, development and strengthening of bones. Calcium is what helps bones develop and strengthen. Most people in North America focus on dairy products as the only way to get calcium, but other foods high in calcium are: sesame seeds, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables.
As with any health condition, the younger you are when conditions are discovered, the more options you have in treating, possibly stopping and maybe even reversing it. In cases of scoliosis, because of the early age of onset, children should be checked by a chiropractor to make sure if scoliosis is developing the child is treated while still in the early stages.
Contrary to what most think, a herniated disc doesn’t occur after a single incident. It takes years of repetition and stiffness in the joint to eventually create a herniated disc. It is crucial that you exercise regularly and include a good stretching routine on a regular basis throughout your day – especially if you are at a desk, in a car or are sedentary for most of the day.
When it comes to posture, a great, short program that takes minutes a day and is designed to help you improve muscle flexibility and strengthen your posture is Straighten Up Alberta.
How can chiropractic help?
Chiropractors work with patients to resolve pain, discomfort and restricted range of motion that can result from injury.
When you experience stiffness between two vertebrae, chiropractors determine which vertebrae aren’t moving properly and adjust them to help their movement return. This isn’t about a “fix” or a “clicking back into place.” It’s about returning the normal movement your joint is anatomically designed to do and movement you need to protect your spine.
Your body has the capacity to heal and when joints are moving properly your muscles can begin to take over and work efficiently again.
If you find yourself in pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Your chiropractor will work with you to ensure your treatment is the optimal, conservative approach based on your health history and current injury or condition.
