Habits you need to break for the sake of your spine
Now we aren’t accusing you of having bad habits right off the bat. But there’s a lot of things we do that we don’t even realise could be bad for us.
Everyone has at least one habit we wish we could break, but these are the top 3 habits you should break- for the sake of your spinal health!
Habit 1: Cracking your own neck & back
We get it, it feels satisfying and even freeing at times. But that doesn’t mean you should be cracking it yourself. There is a reason chiropractors train for years and years! It is so they can get that specific support needed directly on your spine and joints
Yes, sometimes it’s easier because you don’t have to book an appointment- but let’s be honest all you want to do is re-crack your joints 20 minutes later because it just hasn’t hit the spot. Which is not something you get when seeing a chiropractor.
How to break this habit:
Every time you feel the need to crack your joints, whether its your back or neck- stretch! There are spinal decompression exercises that can really help scratch that itch whilst you wait for your next chiropractic appointment.
Obviously if we have said it once, we’ve said it 100 times, everyone should see a chiropractor at least once in their life. It can be life changing and alter your life is huge ways, including a pain free life that doesn’t mean you’re taking pain killers just to make it through the day.
Habit 2: Hunching forward
Posture is so important, improving your posture as soon as possible can set you up for the future. Think of it as investing in your future, because that is exactly what you are doing.
We have all caught ourselves leaning and hunching over a desk or crumpling your chin to your neck whilst laid in bed, or even pushing your shoulders forward. We know we shouldn’t, but it’s muscle memory. Right?
How to break this habit:
Posture correction is one of those things that you just have to force yourself to do. Sore back? How’s your posture? Shoulders feel a bit tense? How’s your posture? Neck a bit stiff? How’s your posture?
Top tip, you find yourself leaning forward and hunching over your desk? Bring your laptop/computer forward, rearrange your chair so you can comfortably reach the keyboard, and that the screen you’re using is eye level. It is one of the best things you’ll do and you’ll notice the uncomfortable pain ease off.
Habit 3: Not stretching!
Now, it isn’t really a habit but more just something we forget to do. But, stretching is so important! Whether it’s before exercise, or because you’ve been sat at a desk for hours. Stretch that body! There are many office friendly stretches you can try out (have at our Friday stretch club videos for inspiration)
How to break this habit:
We have all stiffened up after sitting or standing too long. There’s nothing a small walk around and a handful of stretches can’t fix. If you’ve not moved much, then every 45 minutes then have a little stroll around, go find a quite area and decompress your spine.
The main thing with this one is to start doing more, instead of doing the minimal. A 20 minute walk and doing 5 different stretches is so much better than doing nothing at all. Even 1 stretch is better than 0. It has to start somewhere, so why not start now?
Want to know more about how chiropractic care can support you, and help you great good health habits.
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