3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Spine in Shape by Dr. Karl Jawhari
Dr. Karl Jawhari has spent years researching on the various causes and symptoms of neck and back pain. His goal is to help patients dealing with chronic pain improve their quality of life by providing them with treatment options and methods that promote wellness throughout the body. There different causes of back pain, from a herniated lumbar disc to spinal stenosis, bursitis, and many others; and treatments depend on the exact cause. There are however, ways to help keep the spine healthy.
Dr. Karl Jawhari shares them as follows:
1. Choose the right mattress
In order to keep your spine healthy, and prevent or reduce back pain, you need to sleep on a mattress that provides support for your spine. This means that it should be firm enough to support your back while you’re lying supine fully. For the cushion or padding, there are some products that promote spinal health, including memory foams. Ultimately, however, your choice simply boils down to two important factors, says Dr. Karl Jawhari; which are support and comfort.
Why is having the right foam and mattress important to spinal health? Because by day’s end, you need to allow your spine to rest after working it to the hilt, which means getting enough sleep every night and you achieve a restful sleep with the right mattress and foam.
2. Do core strengthening exercises
Make core strengthening exercise part of your routine because it is your core muscles that provide support for your spine. There are a number of core strengthening exercises that you can do, and these are quite easy to do and won’t take up much of your time. You can do abdominal crunches, side planks, hips lifts, and workouts that use an exercise ball. These exercises usually take no more than 20 minutes.
3. Mind your posture
Slouching, walking with your back hunched over, or dragging your feet as you walk can put a strain on your spine. Always sit and stand up straight to avoid putting pressure on your back. You also need to be mindful of the number of hours you spend sitting behind your desk. The longer you stay in a sitting position, the more pressure you put on your spine. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, or get up and do a few stretches; whatever you choose to do, the important thing is to get up at least every half hour to relax your spine and back, says Dr. Karl Jawhari.
You could also consider switching your favorite chair to an ergonomically designed chair so your back can still get the support it needs even while you’re seated—and for long hours at that.