Bottom Line:
Proactively doing things today to help your spinal discs stay healthy in the future is a smart idea. Ain't no one got time for back pain! Every day your spinal disc absorbs stress related to gravity, your posture, and your movement patterns (or lack thereof). Over time this stress can cause your discs to degenerate and become painful. If you want to minimize your chances of back pain in the future, here a few ways you can keep your discs healthy starting today.
Why it Matters:
Movement and exercise are the top ways to keep your spinal discs healthy. Each day try to move your spine through its full range of motion and be cautious about sitting for hours in front of a computer. Using a standing desk can help to engage the small muscles supporting your spine, which is essential for your disc's health. Another thing to keep in mind is your posture. The combination of inactivity and long periods in an unbalanced posture can wreak havoc on your spinal discs.
• Prolonged sitting significantly reduces the disc height of L4-L5
• Changing positions every 15 minutes helps the discs retain their height
• Use a standing desk and change positions frequently to reduce your risk of low back pain
Next Steps:
Keeping your spinal discs healthy is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing neck or back pain. If you spend long hours at the computer, you need to take proactive steps to counteract that stress. Call us today at Cumberland Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, and we'll be happy to work with you on a plan to keep your spinal discs healthy for years to come.
https://www.cumberlandspine.com/contact-us
Science Source:
Lumbar Disc Changes Associated with Prolonged Sitting. PM&R. 2014