Regular exercise is arguably the best way to keep your spine and whole body healthy, but it’s far from the only thing you should be doing to keep your back pain-free. If you’re wondering how you can keep your spine healthy when you’re not in the gym, or you’re looking for ways to keep your spine as healthy as possible, consider these ways to strengthen and protect your spine other than by working out or exercising.
Non-Exercise Activities For A Healthy Spine
Here’s a look at five things you can do throughout your day to help keep your spine healthy when you’re not actively exercising.
- Have Good Posture – You stress and strain your body a lot throughout the day just by putting it in odd positions. If you’re slouched in front of a computer, hunched over reading text messages or leaning forward during your daily commute, you’re going to be putting extra stress on your lumbar and cervical spine. Work to reduce this pressure by keeping your head above your shoulders and your spine in alignment so stress can be more evenly distributed.
- Eat Right – Another way to avoid putting extra stress on your spine is by keeping off excess weight, and that can be done by following a smart diet. Not every meal you eat needs to be perfect, but strive for more good days than bad and limit excess fats and carbs. A poor diet can also lead to spinal inflammation, which can increase your risk of pain from compressed nerves or soft tissues.
- Variation – Even when you’re in a comfortable position, your spine doesn’t love being in one spot for an extended period of time. It already does this when you’re sleeping, so don’t stay stagnant when you’re awake. Get up and move throughout your work day if you sit a lot, or sit down if you’re on your feet throughout the day. Varying your movement patterns helps to prevent stiff and sore muscles and relieve tension in your spine.
- Limit Alcohol and Tobacco – Alcohol and tobacco can cause problems for your spine if you’re not careful. Alcohol can lead to weight gain and more stress on your back, and it can lead to spinal nerve damage. Tobacco inhibits healthy blood flow throughout the body, meaning spinal discs can’t get enough nutrients, increasing their risk of shrinking or becoming brittle. Limit your intake of both of these.
- Listen – Finally, make sure you are listening to your spine. If something doesn’t feel right or is downright painful, don’t continue your run or power through planting the garden. Take time to rest and assess your injury. Don’t let a small issue become a big problem because you tried to work through the pain. See how your body responds over the next couple of days before increasing your physical activity, and if you’re still dealing with pain, set up an appointment with a specialist like Dr. Sinicropi. Odds are treatment is easier than you might imagine, so stop small issues and listen to your body if pain develops.
For more tips, or for help with your spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
