When we think of having an “aching back” we typically imagine the muscles that surround our spine, the spine itself is an incredibly important factor in our overall health. Do you know how to maintain the healthiest spine you can?

Preventative Spinal Care

Your spine houses the neural superhighway that keeps your brain and body running smoothly, which is why spine care is essential to overall good health at any age.

To prevent damage to your spine, here are a number of quick tips to keep in mind:

• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise in order to reduce stress and strain on the spine.
• Avoid spending the entire day seated. Opt for a standing desk, or be sure to take plenty of standing breaks during your workday.
• When participating in weekend sports or strenuous activities, like moving furniture, always stretch first and avoid sudden, wrenching movements with your back.
• Practice yoga, or otherwise incorporate gentle stretching into your morning or bedtime routine. During the day, our spines can compress due to the forces of gravity, so give yourself a nice good stretch before laying down for the night, or first thing before you start your daily activities.
• Sleep on a firm, supportive mattress. A pile of pillows may feel nice at the end of a long day, but your spine will thank you if you commit to using fewer pillows and a firm mattress to maintain the integrity of your spinal column.

Spinal Treatment and Care

A spinal injury can be incredibly scary, but a skilled orthopedic surgeon will be able to diagnose and treat your injury and create a holistic healing plan. In some cases of chronic back pain, spinal surgery may be an option as well, but be sure to talk this through thoroughly with a trained professional in order to ensure that you’re not doing more damage than good by engaging in an invasive procedure. Many back pain conditions can be managed through healthy weight, regular exercise and preventative care.

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, our team of spine specialists can help support your preventative spine health goals, and evaluate injuries and chronic pain conditions as needed to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Get in touch today to feel safe and supported from head to tail!