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‘A person is as young as their spinal column.’ – Joseph Pilates.

Spinal health is essential for your overall well-being. You could even say it’s the backbone of good health.

Spinal health becomes even more important as you age. Back and spine problems can cause chronic pain, hamper your mobility, or even disable you. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the parts of the body most people tend to neglect, especially in their youth. Sitting at a desk for hours on end, slouching when walking, or lifting heavy objects, every action you take can compound and put your spine at risk for problems later in life.

If you’re somebody who’s dealing with chronic back problems, you’ll understand the severity of the issue. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to look after and help your back and spine. Here are five.

Regular exercise

Exercise is vital for a healthy back and spine. However, not all exercise is equal. The most important part of back exercises is to strengthen the muscles without overexerting yourself. If you already have back problems, or want to avoid damage to your spine, you’ll need to do low-impact exercises. Swimming, Pilates, and yoga are all great impact exercises.

Practice perfect posture

Poor posture puts stress on your spine. Make a concerted effort to sit and stand up straight. There are several useful online resources that show how to perfect and maintain good posture. Replace old, uncomfortable chairs and mattresses with quality, orthopedic ones that provide proper support.

Healthy weight

It’s essential to maintain a healthy weight, especially as you age, to help avoid potential back problems later in life. Excess weight can put added strain on your spine.

Kick those butts

Smoking affects many parts of your body, including your spine. Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the spine, slowing down your body’s healing process after injury or surgery, and increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Speak to the experts

A regular check-up with your GP or orthopedic surgeon can help you detect potential spinal problems early or treat existing conditions to prevent them from worsening.

These 5 simple steps can keep you ahead of the step for years to come. By making them a part of your daily routine, you’ll reduce the risk of developing spinal problems. If you already have back problems, then you can reduce the risk of further injury. It’s up to you to have your own back.

Sources:

https://www.ispinei.com/2018/11/16/how-smoking-affects-your-spine/#:~:text=Nicotine%2C%20the%20addictive%20component%20of,bones%20leads%20to%20back%20pain.

https://www.google.com/search?q=excess+weight+spine&rlz=1C1JJTC_en-gbZA1047ZA1047&oq=excess+weight+spine&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDAgCEAAYChgPGBYYHjIKCAMQABiGAxiKBTIKCAQQABiGAxiKBTIKCAUQABiGAxiKBdIBCDU2NjRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/poor-posture-causing-your-back-pain#:~:text=Unsupported%20postures%20cause%20the%20loads,their%20tolerable%20limit%2C%20causing%20pain.

https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/back-strengthening-exercises

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/3-essential-tips-swimming-back-pain#:~:text=Swimming%20is%20an%20excellent%20form,for%20greater%20range%20of%20motion.

https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery#:~:text=Smoking%20distorts%20a%20patient's%20immune,nutrients%20for%20healing%20after%20surgery.

https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/bone-smoking#:~:text=Cigarette%20smoking%20was%20first%20identified,use%20and%20decreased%20bone%20density.