Spine health becomes increasingly important as people get older. Your condition will greatly impact your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as rising from a chair, picking up an object, or lifting things of different weights. If you want to continue doing these things with ease now and with little to no assistance in the future, it’s essential as an older adult to take better care of your spine.
Fortunately, there are many practical ways you can do so, and many of them are neither complex nor expensive. Committing to these changes will help you enjoy a healthy spine now and in the years to come.
Visit a Chiropractor
A lot of older adults are unaware of how regular chiropractic treatment can significantly improve their spinal health. It is a tested-and-proven means of enhancing your range of motion. It is also known for improving your coordination and balance, which is crucial to prevent accidents like falls that could lead to serious injuries.
You’ll find that you’re still able to perform your daily chores without much trouble and enjoy living independently because of it. Moreover, it’s an effective way to treat back pain. If you’ve been scouring South Dakota for the right treatment but haven’t found one yet, then it’s time to book a Chiropractor. Chiropractic care addresses spinal abnormalities and improves alignment. It might surprise you how much better you’ll feel after just a couple of visits.
Change Your Shoes
Something as simple as switching to better shoes can positively impact your spinal health. Older adults need to update their shoe collection and make more well-informed decisions based on the changes their feet undergo. Aging reduces the padding at the soles of your feet, and your skin becomes thinner. Your arches flatten, and your feet generally enlarges due to the loss of strength in your ligaments and tendons. All of these factors matter when choosing shoes that properly support your spine.
Look for shoes with sufficient padding, especially if you like to go on activities like walking or jogging. Slip resistance and wide mouths are important, too, as they increase safety and comfort. The easier it is to put your shoes on, and the better they enhance your safety, the healthier your spine will be.
Do the Right Exercises
Exercising is integral in an older adult’s routine. You’ll particularly want to focus on activities that strengthen your lower back and abdominal area, or what you might know as your “core.” As the muscles in these parts grow strong, the burden on your spine lessens. The pressure shift to your core and gives your spine a much-needed break.
However, don’t get too excited and start doing all the crunches, leg lifts, and pelvic tilts you can manage. It’s best to get a medical professional’s opinion first to know exactly which exercises you should prioritize. Even if you feel physically able to pull off an impressive repetition of these activities, there’s always a risk of overdoing them and getting injured in the process. Start slow, and hire a physical fitness coach if you want to. This will lessen the chances of injuries and improve your journey towards a healthier spine.
Lose Some Weight
Believe it or not, even relieving your spine of one to two pounds of weight can drastically improve its health. This will not only alleviate the pressure but also quickly improve our posture and address other health issues. One of the best and longer-lasting results happen when you improve your diet. Slowly remove fast and processed food from your meals and replace them with fresher options like fruits and vegetables.
Since your metabolism isn’t as fast as it used to be, don’t expect to see results at once. That’s alright, though, because you’re bound to start feeling and seeing positive changes soon enough.
Rest Your Spine Well
Are you sure your spine is well rested every time you sleep? If you’re not sure, then check your mattress. Try to recall your sleeping positions, too. These are critical elements to a healthy and rested spine.
Go for a mattress that supports your spine but doesn’t allow it to sag too much. This is usually achievable with mattresses that have medium firmness. As for your sleeping position, research ways that you can use your pillow to promote better alignment. Side sleepers, for example, benefit from tucking a pillow between their legs, while back sleepers will be more at ease with a pillow beneath their knees.
As with everything, check with your doctor first. They’ll be able to contextualize these tips better for you and optimize their advantage to your spinal health.
