Your spinal health impacts your overall health and wellness. It protects the spinal cord and associated nerve roots, provides structural support and balance, and enables flexible motion. Every cell in your body is controlled by your central nervous system, which is supported by the spine. Your spine gives you the ability to perform movements such as walking, sitting up straight, bending over, and more. When the spine is injured, you won’t be able to move normally without pain.
A healthy spine is often overlooked as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. We mistreat our spines by slouching, hunching, twisting, or turning in uncomfortable ways. These poor posture habits eventually create long-term problems for the spine, requiring a physical therapy treatment or functional rehabilitation down the road. To keep your spine healthy and happy, keep in mind the following tips:
- Rest spine while sleeping
After all the hard day’s work, allow your spine to relax and rejuvenate by lying down in a supported and comfortable way. Most people benefit from using a firm or medium-firm mattress that offers support for the spine’s natural curves. For back sleepers, it is recommended to place a pillow beneath the knees. For side sleepers, place a pillow between the knees to keep hips balanced. You’ll know when the spine is rested if you wake up feeling free of pain and soreness.
- Strengthen abs & back muscles
Core strengthening is more than just achieving six-pack abs. It teaches you proper spinal alignment, making you less prone to back injuries. Developing strong core muscles can help support your spine and take the pressure off your lower back. This keeps your spine stable and safe, and overall, allows you to move in more efficiently. Unfortunately, most people rarely use their core muscles during everyday activities. Thus, they need to be toned through specific, targeted exercises. This is why core strengthening exercises are incorporated in physical therapy treatments, as well as Pilates in rehabilitation.
- Practice good ergonomics
Long periods of sitting can put strain on the discs of the lower spine and aggravate a painful back condition. We also tend to slouch and lean forward when sitting at a desk or looking at a computer screen. This can put stress on our lumbar discs even more. Consider using an ergonomic chair with a backrest that supports the curve of your lower back. Sit with your back on the chair, position your thighs horizontal to your knees at hip level, and rest your feet comfortably on the floor.
- Enjoy benefits of physical therapy
Physical therapists play a vital role in spinal care and treatment. They tailor a program to meet your specific needs, guide you, and then help you transition to exercising on your own. Physical therapy involves increasing strength, endurance, and flexibility to improve function. It also includes different approaches such as massage therapy, manipulation, functional rehabilitation, Schroth therapy, and more.
There are countless simple ways to help support your spine and overall back health. You can incorporate them little by little into your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to a happier spine. Whether you’re an adult, child, professional athlete or senior, you can rely on the experts at NorAlign Functional Rehabilitation Center. If you’re looking for a reliable scoliosis treatment Dubai clinic, contact +971 4 340 0017 today!