Yesterday, World Spine Day was October 16th and the theme for 2016 is Straighten Up and Move.
Millions of people in all continents of the world suffer with spinal disorders. These can include low back pain, neck pain, scoliosis and disc disease, to name but a few. Spinal pain and disability can have a profound effect on a person’s overall health, sometimes preventing them from working or even doing simple daily activities.
Research has demonstrated that poor posture and inactivity are major contributors to the development of back pain and other spinal disorders. According to the World Health Organization, one in four adults is not active enough and over 80% of adolescent population is not active enough.
Walking is a terrific form of exercise. It strengthens your body and helps position your spine in the natural shape it was designed for – being upright.
Modern lifestyles – such as office work and extended use of computers or mobile devices – can force us to be less active or adopt sedentary positions leading to poor posture, issues with balance and coordination, and even pain.
When walking properly you naturally adopt proper posture. Because regular walking will also build up your core strength, an important ingredient in maintaining good posture, it will help you to maintain better posture during your other daily activities.
Why is good posture important?
A good postural position permits you to breathe better, and as a result reduces fatigue and minimises other side-effects associated with bad posture.
Proper posture keeps muscles, ligaments, bones and internal organs in their natural position. This reduces wear and tear of joints, and relieves stress, improving health and enhancing your appearance.
Why are Chiropractors educating about walking & posture?
Chiropractic is the science of locating problems in the spine, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and a philosophy of natural health care based on your inborn potential to be healthy.
Chiropractors are experts at analysing posture and spinal problems. Chiropractic promotes general health by not just providing diagnosis and care of disorders relating to the spine and nervous system, but also in the provision of self-care pertaining to lifestyle factors and movement.
An active spine is a healthy spine, and a healthy spine leads to a healthier life. Chiropractors are also able to provide assessments to patients in a range of areas, including:
- Spinal screenings
- Postural assessments
- Coordination assessments
- Balance assessments
- Range of motion assessments
For over 115 years, chiropractors have been the experts in promoting healthy spines. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your spinal health, do not hesitate to contact your chiropractor.
TOWARDS WELLNESS