Spinal health is as much related to our overall health as is our digestive or cardiovascular systems. All of these systems and elements within the body mesh to form the cumulative of good overall health and wellness.
Simple things in our day to day life can help promote spinal health, and even promote recovery or regeneration to a degree.
By forming, even loose, routines and daily rituals we can incorporate the theme of wellness and balance into our lives. The cumulative effect can be better overall health, longevity, and enjoyment of life.
1. Drink Water
Especially at our elevation here in Summit County, the body can become depleted and dehydrated much more quickly. The dry air at our high altitude, and extreme exposure to the sun, can dry us out and bring on brain and muscle fatigue.
Staying well hydrated is key to spinal health. All of our tissues , including the discs in between our vertebra, are comprised of water. Maintaining a reasonable intake of water can promote spinal comfort, mobility, and durability.
Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day; starting in the AM right after you wake up, up till a little before bed time. Staying hydrated can help with overall brain and organ functionality, and helps to promote greater mobility and energy levels during the day and better sleep at night.
2. Supplement your Balanced Diet
Aside from eating a well-rounded, and diverse, daily diet, supplementing is a wonderful option. Our modern diets and busy lifestyles can sometimes hinder us from getting our ideal amount of nutrient intake.
Supplementing for sources of things such as Omega 3s (Fish Oil) help restore the essential fatty acids that our cells use to compose our bodies. Making sure you not only have a balanced diet that is a good fit for your own unique body composition and lifestyle, but that you are supplementing when you can to the areas that may need it. Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Supplements can fill in some of the blanks to round out your intake and make sure that your body is getting everything that it needs.
Our diet can change seasonally and from day to day. Let the variations be a part of the health! Variety is a key component to ensuring we are getting all of the good things that we need.
3. Be Mindful in Your Movement… and Mindful in Your Thoughts
In our fast paced lifestyle, work, and mountain recreations, be aware and mindful of your movements. A simple task like bending over to take the life vest off of the dog (recent patient starting the DRS Protocol) can be the Straw that breaks the Camel’s Back when it comes to our discs. Be thoughtful to alignment and the rate at which you may be bending over or lifting.
After sitting or laying for longer periods, allow your body the opportunity to recalibrate. Ease into your movements and activities. After periods of exercise give yourself a chance to cool down and equalize your systems.
Think health and set daily intentions to incorporate beneficial practices into your daily routines, and express gratitude to yourself for all the efforts that you put forth on your journey to wellness.
4. Exercises and Stretches Appropriate for Your Person
On that note, maintaining a healthy level of fitness and flexibility can certainly promote overall spinal health. Consult your medical professional before 
starting any new healthcare or fitness regimen.
The spine can benefit from gentle stretches throughout the body with an emphasis on the back and hip flexors, and toning the core. Activities such as Yin Yoga have proven to be beneficial for optimum spinal and overall health.
Most importantly, keep moving! Whatever your favorite pastimes or recreations may be, keep yourself moving. “Stress” is essential to our tissues and bones to stimulate new growth and development. When we keep using the various areas of our bodies, our bodies prioritize and send the resources where we need them when we ask for them. The best way to communicate with our own bodies is through our own movement and then stillness.
5. Don’t Spend Too Much Time Sitting
Moderate the time spent in office chairs, cushy couches, and even vehicle time.
If you have an office job, moderate the time spent in the chair. Take opportunities to get up, stand and walk around a bit; at least every hour. If it is an option, look into desks elevators so that you may be able to stand at your computer to complete your work load and send some stimulation to your bones and muscles while you’re at it.
If you drive for work try to incorporate a lumbar support or pillow to encourage retention of the natural spinal curves to keep you healthy. Also, take opportunities to break from the seat, get out and walk around to stimulate some energy throughout your body.
6. Rest
After we’ve “stressed” or exercised the body, muscles, bones to any degree it is important to allow the body to rest. Down time allows our bodies to assimilate all of the activity and energy that they are exposed to everyday; even when we think we haven’t been “working” our bodies.
After physical exercise, yoga, physical therapy, even a chiropractic treatment, allow yourself some time for Rest & Relaxation.
Simply laying on your back for a few minutes in relaxed consciousness can help restore the body and equalize our state our being. Try a moderately solid surface such as the floor with a little bit of cushion such as a yoga mat or dense blanket; bolsters or rolled blankets for under the knees or neck can also make laying on the back more comfortable.
7. Visit your Chiropractor
Regular adjustments can help keep your body in balance and help work out any kinks as they come.
Stay in touch with Dr. Auth. He is here to answer your questions about spinal health and can give insight when you may be experiencing new or different sensations or discomfort.
Dr. Auth is here for when you do need an adjustment or if your condition has gotten to a place where you may need more intensive or direct therapy, such as spinal decompression performed with our DRS Protocol.
These are just a few things to keep in mind to help on your journey to wellness. These small items can add up, resulting in better health and enjoyment of life.
Experiment with new, different, or maybe old, routines and collaborate with your favorite healthcare professionals to come up with a system that enhances your day to day life.
We would love to help you on your journey to health and vitality.
Reach out to us anytime for assistance with your chiropractic needs.
