Importance of spine health and its impact on general body health
The spine or backbone in a human body supports three significant functions in the human body complex that includes protection of the delicate spinal cord and its associated nerves and bundles, providing structural support, and maintaining the proper balance of the body. Your body’s alignment and proper body posture are relied on the curvature of the spine, the strength of the spinal bones, and the integrity of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in this region. The health of the complex musculoskeletal areas is essential in maintaining the proper movements of the body and increasing the range of motion of different joints.
The skeleton is considered the core of the human body, and the spine is the core of the human skeletal system. The spine supports the human body as it aids in holding the body upright by keeping the torso, hands, and feet. The weight of the pelvis, hips, and legs and the associated muscles is transferred and balanced by the spinal cord. The stability of the body is provided by healthy spinal curvature with strong postural muscles related to it.
Balance of the body while movement is possible only when the spine or backbone is strong and in good health. The spinal nerve and intervertebral discs are protected from shock or undue pressure by the overlying spinal cord made up of complex bony structures. The signals that pass from the brain to the body (except the cranial nerves) are passed through the bony canal that is present as a hollow bony arch in the spinal cord.
Hence, the spinal cord and associated structures play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and balance of the body overall. This blog aims to highlight certain habits that, if followed correctly, will help improve spinal health.
Five healthy habits that help improve the health of your spine
The health of the spine or backbone is of utmost necessity to keep the body’s functions running correctly. Certain healthy habits include specific exercises that support your spine healthy and do not lead to any neurological problems. Certain diseases like spinal stenosis, muscular strain, or herniated disc that lead to back pain can be prevented by following certain habits regularly to improve spinal health. The practices that you should follow for a healthy backbone include
Wear your seat belt
A car’s seat belts and airbags protect the spine from even minor injuries or road traffic accidents. There is a reduction of about 50% rate in any injury if you are wearing a seat belt. Moreover, it is now covered under the law in almost all countries.
Strengthen your bones
Bone strength and muscular integrity are part of the musculoskeletal region that helps protect the body’s vital structures and enhances the body’s function, including the body’s movement. Calcium is the main content that aids in the strengthening of the bones, and Vitamin D helps the calcium to absorb in the body more effectively. A diseased condition like osteoporosis that causes thinning of bones can be prevented with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
Maintain proper position
A good posture while maintaining the spinal curvature will aid spinal relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day’s hard work. A sitting posture with the back straight helps keep the spine’s appropriate curvature. Use a sleeping mattress that is firm enough to support your spine. A pillow placed below the knees aids in reducing the stress on the lower back region. For the side sleepers, the pad can be placed between the knees to maintain the balance of the hip area.
Exercise
A daily exercise routine and increasing your core strength and back muscles aid in improving the spinal strength and back muscles. The core muscular strength, including those in the abdomen and lower back, must be vital to protect the spinal and prevent any undue pressure or injury to it.
Regular Physiotherapy and Massages
Physiotherapy exercises and chiropractic care, including massages, manual or electric manipulation, adjustments, and other stretching exercises, help improve the spinal cord’s position and maintain its functions. Chiropractic care deals with the musculoskeletal region with a prime focus on the spine or backbone and thus helps the patients improve their symptoms of pain and discomfort in that region.
Key Takeaway
The spine’s health and curvature are essential to maintain proper bodily movement and functions. A well-balanced body with improved core strength is possible only with a healthy spine. Hence, regularly maintaining healthy habits is necessary to keep the position and structure of the spine healthy.
