Spinal Health Week (Sat. 25th May – Fri. 31st May 2019), is sponsored by the Australian Chiropractors’ Association (ACA).
This event raises awareness about spinal health, keeping active & how poor posture may affect a person’s life. This week is a chance to promote keeping active and good posture which may prevent future health problems.
Spinal Health & The Nervous System
The spine covers and protects the spinal cord of the nervous system. The nervous system controls every cell, tissue and organ in the body. Poor posture may cause the spine to go out of its natural alignment, affecting the ability of the nervous system to control body functions.
If the spine is out of alignment, even just slightly, pressure may be put on the spinal nerve disrupting the nervous system. A study by Dr. Suh at the University of Colorado showed that a small pressure on the spinal nerve, as little as the weight of a dime, can reduce nerve function by 60 percent.
Possible Effects of Poor Posture Include:
• Back Pain
• Joint & Muscles Disorders
• Spine Problems
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Rounded Shoulders
Around 90% of people have poor posture; this could be caused by the way a person sits at work, does things at home, or carries things the wrong way.
Improving Posture
An Active Spine Is A Healthy Spine
Today’s technologies, in the form of home entertainment, mobile phones, computers and games consoles mean that more people than ever are adopting poor posture in favour of being active. Sitting for extended periods of time whilst slouched in a chair may affect our spinal health. Spinal Health Week encourages people to become more aware of their posture and to take regular exercise to prevent health problems later in life.
By maintaining good posture, we may help prevent visits to a doctor or chiropractor. In many cases, good posture and regular exercise may also prevent the symptoms of pre-existing spinal health conditions becoming worse.
Towards Wellness: Move Your Body Daily
Getting regular movement will dramatically increase your natural energy flow. Sluggishness, heaviness and stagnation will begin to shift, you will increase your oxygen intake and get endorphins flowing. Your energy will be much higher within days of beginning to move regularly. It doesn’t have to be a one-hour power sweat session either – simply going for a good paced walk or doing a series of your favourite yoga poses will boost your vitality quickly.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H of the Month: Hips/Buttocks Stretch
From the back thigh stretch position, bend your front knee so that foot is now on the edge of the surface. Hands on hips, lean slightly forward over the bent leg. Keep the leg you are standing on straight. You should feel this stretch in the back of the hips and buttocks.