August is National Wellness Month; a reminder to focus on self-care routines which promote spine and joint health. After all, a healthy spine is the backbone of your overall health and well-being.
If you have ever experienced back or neck pain, you know how it can impact your quality of life. Every movement we make engages our spine, which means having our spines in good health is essential for living a fulfilling life.
These simple tips can help you maintain good spine health.
Maintain a healthy weight. The lower spine's muscles, ligaments, and tendons can strain and ache when carrying excess weight. Eating a healthy diet and exercising is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.
Wear supportive shoes. On a solid foundation, it is important to have supportive shoes that cushion and protect the feet. Poor footwear can cause lower back pain by increasing stress and strain on the spine.
Prioritize sleep. The body needs restorative sleep to heal. Sleep and pain management are closely related. Quality sleep has many health benefits, including reducing neck and back pain.
Stay active. Reduce back pain by maintaining an active lifestyle. Stretching, core strengthening, and aerobic activity are all essential components of an ideal exercise routine for a healthy spine.
Stay hydrated. Hydration is crucial for overall good health, including your joint and spine. Dehydration can hinder mobility, reduce flexibility, and cause pain in the spine. It can accelerate the spine's aging and, in the absence of proper hydration, the spine can begin to degenerate.
Practice proper lifting techniques. When bending to lift heavy items, our spine can strain and put stress on the intervertebral discs. Maintaining proper technique when lifting is imperative: Keep your back straight while bending your knees and use the power of your legs while lifting heavy items.
Eat a healthy anti-inflammatory diet. Reducing pro-inflammatory foods and adding anti-inflammatory foods can reduce inflammation in the spine and joints.
Following these spine-healthy tips will help you improve your spine's health during wellness month and every day after. The Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City offers total spine care for better health. We are committed to improving your quality of life and restoring you to the activities you enjoy.
AUTHOR: Dr. Doug Beacham III, DO is a fellowshipped-trained, dual-board certified physician in the fields of Anesthesiology and Pain Management (American Board of Anesthesiology). He has practiced in Oklahoma since 2013, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Pain Society. Dr. Beacham is proud to offer Oklahomans the most advanced and effective techniques capable of treating a full spectrum of acute and chronic conditions.
