Suffering from back and neck pain one of the most common complaints we hear from patients.
Dealing with the discomfort interferes with everyday activities. Nagging pain is frustrating as we find ourselves unable to do the things we love. If you find yourself suffering from acute or chronic back or neck pain, we recommend the following changes in your lifestyle.
1. Become More Active
Exercise is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your overall health. A lack of movement in everyday life leads to more pain in our joints.
Individuals who are regularly active have substantially less back and neck pain than individuals who live a more sedentary lifestyle. If you’re starting fresh, be sure to talk to your chiropractor or doctor first to check if there any limitations to what you can do during a workout.
We recommend you start slowly. Once you've developed a routine, gradually increase your workout intensity and frequency.
2. Watch Your Posture
Whether you’re standing, sitting, sleeping, or working at a desk, your posture is critical to your health.
We know that many back and neck conditions are created from the continuous strain that comes from a spine that isn't being supported as it should. You can be mindful to keep your spine in a “neutral” position to avoid strain. To minimize upper back and neck pain while sleeping you should do your best to avoid thick or multiple pillows, and try not to sleep on your stomach.
Are you working from home these days? For advice on setting up an ergonomic workstation the right way, we recommend downloading this infographic.
3. Clean Up Your Diet
Another key component of good health is a healthy diet. Carrying any excess weight will create additional strain on your spine. It is wise to try to eat less red meat & refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. You should also listen to your own advice to your kids and increase your consumption of veggies and fruits. Opt for "healthy" oils like olive or canola, and choose water instead of drinks that have high sugar and calorie content.
When you shed the pounds, you'll notice your body feels so much better.
4. Stretch More
Proper movement is your best defense for back and neck pain. 10-15 minutes of stretching every day can have a significant impact on how you feel and on how your body functions. Try this simple Bruegger Relief stretch that can be performed from just about anywhere.
5. Schedule an Appointment With Us
Just like your teeth need a dentist to stay healthy, the same can be said for seeing a chiropractor. Getting checked by a chiropractor gives you the clarity and assurance that your body is moving properly.
We make sure we spend the time with you in order to define the root cause of the problem. This ensures you get relief, results and ultimately back to a healthier and more comfortable life.
When you make these simple changes to your lifestyle, you'll notice yourself feeling younger, healthier and have a new outlook on life.
Imagine how great it would feel to start each day like this.
