The spine—not the first thing that comes to mind when spring cleaning your overall wellness, but it’s a pivotal part to leading a fit life. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, 80 to 90 percent of the population suffers from spinal pain at some point of their lives. “The five pillars of health are proper rest, proper nutrition, proper exercise, positive mental attitude and a healthy nervous system,” explains Capitol Chiropractic Center of Stamford’s Dr. Paul Shashaty, D.C. “A healthy spine equates to a healthier nervous system, which could result in overall healthier systems of the body.”
Any nervous system interference or irritation can prevent the body from working to it’s full potential. Former sport injuries, car accidents, repetitive motion, etc., can take a toll, too—especially when left untreated. Trauma like these can “cause shifts in the vertebrae of the spine and irritate the delicate nerves,” warns Shashaty. “Just like dental hygiene is important for oral health, a properly aligned and fully functioning spine is important for a healthier nervous system and overall health.”
So what can you do to straighten these spine scenarios out—stat? Here are a few of Shashaty’s quick tips:
- Get Moving: Most of us spend long hours driving, hunched over a keyboard or Netflix-binging while lounging on couch (okay, we are all guilty there…). Long hours sitting can cause spinal stress and can in turn, shift us out of line. “It’s a good time to renew our gym membership or start using the one we’ve been paying for,” says Shashaty. “Yoga, Zumba classes or walks and hikes are great ways to begin spring.” When you do have to be seated in front of your computer 9 to 5, be mindful of your workspace. A chair with proper back support that provides a 90-degree bend to your knees when your feet are on the floor is the most spine-friendly. Want to strengthen your abdominals, too? Nix the chair for a stability ball.
- Stretch Out: Believe it or not, many back pain issues can stem from tight hamstrings and glutes. Kick off your day with a few stretches to release tension, while preserving normal joint and muscle function for the long run. Maintaining proper posture is all about “flexibility, flexibility, flexibility,” Shashaty says. “Repetition intended for emphasis!” Add yoga poses like Downward Facing Dog, Wild Thing and Arching Pigeon into your daily routine. Core strengthening is also crucial for proper posture, adds Shashaty. Time to start holding some planks!
- Regular Checkups: “This past winter, with the heavy snow falls we’ve had, excessive shoveling and slips or falls on the ice could have caused misalignments of the spin and irritation of the nerves,” says Shashaty. “Chiropractic checkups would help detect any spinal misalignments.” Sleeping on your stomach or with too many pillows under your head, holding a phone between your ear and shoulder, etc. are just a few of our many daily spine damaging habits. A chiropractor’s purpose “is to educate and adjust as many people as possible toward optimal health through natural drugless chiropractic care,” says Shashaty. The correction of spinal misalignments in conjunction with education and lifestyle coaching is a great way to spring forward—for good.