Back pain and neck pain are the most common complaints with aging. You’ve heard older family or community members speak about how back pain or neck pain limits their movements, activities, and quality of life. If you don’t want to end up in the same position, what should you start doing now to maintain good spinal health?
Spine care expert Dr. Beejal Y. Amin offers professional tips and expert advice in this blog. For personalized anti-aging spine care, contact Dr. Amin at his offices in Hinsdale and Woodridge, Illinois.
When you’re younger, paying attention to your spine may not feel worth it. But it pays off later in life! Here’s how.
Your spine supports your body’s weight and flexibility. All of the ways you move, bend, and twist require a healthy spine. Spinal damage or deterioration makes some movements painful or physically impossible. If you don’t want to lose your ability to stay active as you get older, you need to protect your spine.
Your spine also concentrates a large number of pain receptors in one area of your body. Your nervous system involves major nerves that relay sensation from your body back to your brain. Many of your major nerves pass through the spinal column. That means that spinal issues have the potential to become very painful or lead to chronic pain.
Since you rely on your spine so much in day-to-day life, it makes sense that this part of your body is highly vulnerable to degeneration due to ongoing wear-and-tear. But with these strategies, you can maintain a healthy spine into your golden years.
Regular physical activity helps you stay at a healthy body weight, keeping the pressure on your spine to a minimum. You can also support your spine with focused strengthening exercises for your core and back muscles. These muscles support your spine and reduce strain on your spinal bones.
The other type of exercise that helps your long-term spine health is stretching. Stretches help your spine and muscles stay flexible.
When you lift heavy objects, your spine can absorb stress. With the correct biomechanics, you can minimize your risks of spine damage when lifting. Instead of using your back as a lever to raise a heavy load, rely on your knees. Keep your arms tucked close to your body, and don’t twist at the same time you lift.
As you move through your life, your spine should stay well-supported. If you spend a lot of time at the wheel, at a desk, or in a space where you relax, ensure that you position your body ergonomically. Taking time to reposition your workspace or replace your den furniture now may save you from chronic pain or costly spinal procedures in the future.
When you slump or slouch, your spine shifts out of alignment. As a result, it can’t correctly redistribute the pressure of your body weight, and some parts of your spine end up bearing the brunt. Poor posture in your younger years increases your risk of degenerative disc disease, a herniated spinal disc, and chronic back or neck pain.
Notice and correct your posture when sitting, standing, and even when you’re lying down in bed. Keep your shoulders in line with the back of your head and your tailbone for improved spinal alignment.
Dr. Amin can recommend specific, personalized lifestyle adjustments and spinal care strategies.
For personalized spine care and back pain prevention advice, reach out to Dr. Amin. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.