Life is full of unknowns. Taking simple and practical steps now can get you ready for life at any age.

According to the World Health Organisation, musculoskeletal conditions that reduce mobility, dexterity, and functional ability, are the second largest cause of disability worldwide. Musculoskeletal conditions can have a damaging effect on your quality of life. These conditions affect your ability to participate in work, social activities, and sports. In Australia, 3.7 million people reported back problems in 2015 alone.

With these statistics and the burden of low back pain ranking first in Australia, it is likely that you or someone you know could suffer from back pain. Improving posture, maintaining an active lifestyle, and keeping your spinal health in check can help you continue to do the things you love. As well as always being Ready for Life!

Improve Posture

By decreasing the amount we move each day, we have increased the severity of poor posture and in turn, its negative effects on health. Common daily activities like sitting at a desk, driving instead of walking and playing video games, consequently lead to incorrect posture.

What is poor posture?

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. When your posture is poor this can increase pressure on your spine and contribute to tension, soreness, headaches, back pain, and fatigue. Australian adults, on average, spend an estimated five hours per day sitting, with a quarter of the population sitting for more than eight hours per day.

Keep active

An active spine is a healthy spine. This is important at any age. The Department of Health recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Surfing, soccer, and strength training in the gym can have great benefits to your overall mental and physical health. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 56% of all Australians are not sufficiently physically active. Accordingly, this has a negative impact on your spinal health.

Benefits of regular exercise

Most physical activity can have great positive effects on the spine including the stretching, strengthening, and repairing of muscles that help support your back. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, build stronger bones, increase your energy, improve sleep patterns and so much more.

Just start walking

If the gym or sports field isn’t for you, then walking is another great way to keep active. Some benefits of walking include increasing your heart and lung fitness. As well as muscle strength and endurance, and it contributes to a natural upright posture.

The Just Start Walking app was developed by the Australian Chiropractors Association to encourage Australians to get outside and to get walking.

Chiro can help

Your spine supports you. Growing from birth and moving with you at every stage of life. Therefore it is important that your spine is always Ready for Life.

Accordingly, good posture and exercising regularly are important factors in maintaining spinal health. Visiting a chiropractor as part of your spinal healthcare regime can assist with ensuring that these practices are maintained.

Did you know

• Australian chiropractors manage an estimated 21.3 million patient visits per year.
• Chiropractic care is drug and surgery-free.
• Chiropractic care is backed by scientific studies from around the world.

Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disorders of the spine. As well as including the effects these disorders can have on your nervous system and general health.

Finally, don’t give up the activities you love. Make spinal health a priority and be Ready for Life!

Chiro & Sports Med

Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury.  Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injury. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and your ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.