A Healthy Back

To keep your back healthy, we at Amherst Chiropractic recommend that you:

1. Get regular exercise: This does not have to be anything overly strenuous. You will be surprised how something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge difference.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Proper nutrition will allow the body to repair itself more easily
3. Maintain good posture: Are you sitting up straight as you read this?  Stop slouching!!
4. Stretch your spine before and after sports: This loosens up your muscles.
5. Don't overload a backpack or purse: Try to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load.
6. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting- Wherever you may be, regular stretching  will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further. Click here for some stretching exercises from The Walking Site.
7. Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.  If you think it is necessary to do this, perhaps you should consider purchasing a headset.  There are many inexpensive solutions available.
8. Sleep on your back or side, not on your stomach: This will help to keep your spine in line and reduces the risk of hurting your neck while you sleep.
9. Invest in a good chair, pillow and mattress: When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it's worth it.
10. Have regular spinal exams: It's much easier to prevent a problem than to correct one.

"Look to the spine for health and disease"
     - Hippocrates