How to Keep Your Spine Healthy

Health is wealth, as the popular saying goes. That’s why taking care of your body including your spine is important because it allows you to live longer and keeps dangerous diseases away. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Dr. Jay McClanahan is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy spines, the key to lifelong wellness. Here are three tips to keep your spine healthy. If you love these tips, contact our office in Nitro, WV to learn more! 

Exercise and Diet

Eating healthy and staying fit should be a no-brainer tip for better spinal health. If you want to take the extra step for spinal health, Dr. McClanahan will work with you to create a diet and exercise plan that fits your preferences and life. Good habits like exercise and healthy eating set you up for a strong and robust spine!

Correct Posture

Bad posture equals a host of issues for your spine. Slouched and hunched stances not only strain your spine but also cause back and neck pain. 

One of the best things you can do for your body right now is to correct your posture. If you’re sitting at a desk, keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Relax shoulders and position your knees at the same height as your hips. Feel free to use cushions or pillows to support your lower back.

If you’re standing, let your arms hang naturally on their sides. Stand up tall and straight, with your shoulders back and most of your weight on the balls of your feet. For long periods of standing, your Nitro, WV chiropractor recommends shifting your weight on each foot.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments are the holy grail of chiropractic care. This treatment focuses on adjusting spinal misalignment or subluxation. Your spine misaligns because of many factors including injury and age. Dr. McClanahan uses gentle manipulations to revert your spine to its original position. These adjustments to your spine not only relieve pain when it comes to injury or chronic conditions but also serve as a preventative treatment.  Since your spine is connected to your entire body, adjustments are beneficial for reducing and preventing anxiety, stress, sleep, and mobility problems. Spinal adjustments also strengthen natural immunity and prevent injury risks. 

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520. 

Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Spine

A large amount of the population struggles with some sort of back pain. It’s one of the reasons that spinal care grows more important every day. If you’re one of these individuals, reach out to Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. Your top-notch chiropractor, Dr. Jay McClanahan, has put together a few lifestyle tips for a healthier spine. 

First, evaluate your exercise and diet regimen. Changing these up is a great way to get started. Being overweight puts extra stress on your spine and body. It’s best to stay within ten pounds of your ideal weight. Extra fat, like a “beer belly,” weakens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Through exercise and a healthy diet, you can regulate your weight. 

Back pain is often caused by improper lifting and bending. You need to take the proper precautions to maintain a healthy spine. Make sure you never bend at the waist to pick a heavy item up from the ground. Instead, keep one foot flat on the floor while you kneel. Another method is bending at the knees. Pick up the item, keeping it close to your body, and lift with your legs instead of your back. Never twist your body while lifting. This is an easy way to hurt your back. 

If you stand for long periods due to your job or other activities, there are a few ways to keep your spine healthy. Try standing with one foot in front of the other, with your knees slightly bent. Doing this removes the extra pressure from your spine. You should also try to avoid bending at the waist for longer periods. 

Even the way you sleep can affect your back. The recommended sleeping position is on your side. When you sleep on your back, large amounts of pressure are placed on your spine. If you use this position, place a pillow under your knees to remove the pressure. 

At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, your health is our biggest concern. Following these tips is a surefire way to improve your life. If you or a loved one suffer from back pain, don’t hesitate to contact our office in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan, visit his website or call 304-776-1520.