5 Tips for a Healthy Spine
5 Tips for a Healthy Spine
By Josh Burton
1. Limit Phone Use
The average adult head weighs roughly 11 pounds. If we tilt our head down to look at a screen, our head can actually give the equivalent of up to triple that weight in tension and stress on our spine. Most people lean forward to look at their phone for 2-4 hours a day! Now imagine what that does to your spine. About 75% of people are affected by neck pain in their lifetime. It’s important to take a break from your phone frequently!
2. Stretch Every Morning
Stretching has many physical benefits. It increases your flexibility, reduces muscle tension, increases range of motion, and helps you avoid back pain. Try to stretch everyday, even if it’s only for a few minutes. There are too many physical benefits to pass up on it.
3. Don’t Self-Crack
If you frequently crack your own neck, then you most likely understand how hard it is to break the habit. The reason you feel an urge to pop something is likely from your joints being out of alignment or restricted in their movement. Cracking your neck might feel good, but doing it incorrectly or frequently can lead to pinched nerves, clotting, strained muscles, or perpetual instability.
4. Strengthen Core
Did you know that your core strength has a lot to do with your back? Your core muscles help you maintain good posture, and if ignored, could be a strong contributor to your back pain. The stronger your core, the less physical strain is put on your lower back.
5. Check Your Sleeping Position
Finding the right sleeping position is essential for your spinal health. Sleeping on your back is the optimal position to sleep in. This keeps your body relatively straight and aligned to retain the natural curvature of your spine. Side sleeping naturally pulls your hips and neck out of alignment without the correct pillows between your knees and under your head. You should always avoid sleeping on your stomach as it puts the most stress on your back. If you’re experiencing back pain and sleep on your stomach, changing how you sleep can make all the difference.
For more tips on how to have a healthy spine click here.
If you feel like these tips aren’t helping with preventing your back or neck pain then contact our office for a consultation with one of our doctors. We’ll help you find those underlying problems and help make them right for you!
5 Tips for a Healthy Spine
By Josh Burton
1. Limit Phone Use
The average adult head weighs roughly 11 pounds. If we tilt our head down to look at a screen, our head can actually give the equivalent of up to triple that weight in tension and stress on our spine. Most people lean forward to look at their phone for 2-4 hours a day! Now imagine what that does to your spine. About 75% of people are affected by neck pain in their lifetime. It’s important to take a break from your phone frequently!
2. Stretch Every Morning
Stretching has many physical benefits. It increases your flexibility, reduces muscle tension, increases range of motion, and helps you avoid back pain. Try to stretch everyday, even if it’s only for a few minutes. There are too many physical benefits to pass up on it.
3. Don’t Self-Crack
If you frequently crack your own neck, then you most likely understand how hard it is to break the habit. The reason you feel an urge to pop something is likely from your joints being out of alignment or restricted in their movement. Cracking your neck might feel good, but doing it incorrectly or frequently can lead to pinched nerves, clotting, strained muscles, or perpetual instability.
4. Strengthen Core
Did you know that your core strength has a lot to do with your back? Your core muscles help you maintain good posture, and if ignored, could be a strong contributor to your back pain. The stronger your core, the less physical strain is put on your lower back.
5. Check Your Sleeping Position
Finding the right sleeping position is essential for your spinal health. Sleeping on your back is the optimal position to sleep in. This keeps your body relatively straight and aligned to retain the natural curvature of your spine. Side sleeping naturally pulls your hips and neck out of alignment without the correct pillows between your knees and under your head. You should always avoid sleeping on your stomach as it puts the most stress on your back. If you’re experiencing back pain and sleep on your stomach, changing how you sleep can make all the difference.
For more tips on how to have a healthy spine click here.
If you feel like these tips aren’t helping with preventing your back or neck pain then contact our office for a consultation with one of our doctors. We’ll help you find those underlying problems and help make them right for you!
Alpine Spinal Rehab
3325 N University Ave #125,
Clock Tower Building,
Provo, UT 84604
Monday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Sunday
Closed
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