Protecting the Spine for Better Health

Posture is the way the body is held while performing daily tasks, such as sitting, standing and walking. The primary function of the spine is providing structure for the body, and protection of the spinal cord and nerves, which are responsible for carrying messages between the brain and the body. With good posture, the bones of the spine remain correctly aligned, allowing the nerves, which exit from the spine, to transmit information clearly, keeping the body functioning optimally.

Certain activities can place the spine under tremendous stress, leading to injuries. These activities include carrying heavy loads, wearing high heels, slips and falls, and emotional stress. However, two of the most common activities that stress and injure the spine are our postural habits while working at a desk and using a mobile phone. Spending too much time sitting at a desk or looking down at a computer monitor or at a phone, can cause the bones in the neck to become misaligned and put irritating pressure on the nerves. This can eventually cause symptoms like back pain, headache and neck pain, and if left uncorrected, can lead to degeneration of the bones and cartilage discs in those areas of the spine .

How to improve workplace posture?

These simple steps can help to improve workplace posture:

1. Sit correctly, with the feet firmly planted and flat on the floor.
2. Arrange workspace, ensure that the workspace is even with the elbows when seated.
3. Adjust monitor’s position, place the monitor an arm’s length away, with the eye level within the top one-third of the monitor.
4. Stretch regularly, preferably on an hourly basis.

Can chiropractic restore the spine?

Chiropractic is a natural healthcare treatment which focuses on optimising health by preserving and restoring the spine, nervous system and joints through a hands-on approach without the use of drugs or surgery. It is effective in relieving the symptoms that may result from spinal stress and allowing the body to function at its best. Sometimes, it is used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.

A series of examinations will be conducted during the first visit to the chiropractic clinic. The chiropractor will first obtain a thorough health history. Some other tests involved are orthopedic, neurological and posture examinations. Sometimes, x-ray would also be recommended to facilitate accurate diagnosis.

Chiropractic treatments benefit patients by promoting self-healing of the entire body. In addition to pain and symptom relief, patients may also experience benefits such as improved quality of sleep, increased immune function and even improved athletic performance; all as a result of a healthier functioning nervous system.

Acknowledgement:

Dr. Neil Furuno, Chiropractor at Asia One Chiropractic, who has contributed to this article.

Reference

1. Posture and back health. [Internet] [cited 2018 July 19] Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posture-and-back-health
2. Chiropractic care for back pain. [Internet] [cited 2018 July 19] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/chiropractic-pain-relief#1

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Tags

• chiropractic
• posture
• spine