What is World Spine Day?
Every year on the 16th October, people from around the world come together on World Spine Day to raise awareness about spinal disorders and empower others to take charge of their spinal health. With half of Australians not being sufficiently, physically active and back problems reported as number one globally, Australians of all ages are putting their spinal health and wellbeing at risk.
Get Spine Active
To combat this epidemic, World Spine Day 2019 and the team at Health First Chiropractic are encouraging patients to ‘Get Spine Active.’ This initiative aims to highlight the importance of physical activity, movement and exercise for maintaining spinal health. This year aims to encourage everyone, no matter age or ability, to find ways to get spine active that suits their lifestyle. It is simply about forming good, healthy habits that can be implemented every day.
Ways to Get Spine Active
The good news is that being spine active can take many forms. Whether it’s running, weightlifting, swimming or cycling, regular exercise not only strengthens your spine and improves your physical health but can be extremely beneficial to a number of other health factors including energy levels, sleeping patterns, metabolism and so much more.
Running – Although cardio activities like running are important for heart health and fitness, they can also help improve your spinal health. Activities like running and fast walking may actually strengthen your spine through an increase in spinal fluid resulting in healthier spines.
Weightlifting – Lifting weights is great for anyone trying to maintain a healthy spine and lifestyle. Weightlifting can tone your muscles and boost metabolism, as well as help improve posture and stabilise your spine. Ensure you learn the correct techniques by seeking the help of a professional.
Swimming – Not only does swimming help build endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness but is also a low impact sport. If you are keen to give swimming a go, commit to three times a week for 30 minutes per workout and work your way up to longer sessions in the pool.
Cycling – As another low impact sport, cycling can help improve posture and flexibility and is an aerobic activity, meaning your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. Plus it’s a great way to commute, enjoying the great outdoors and exploring new trails and paths.
Tennis – Tennis is a great sport for people of all ages and abilities. Containing immense benefits to your health by simply moving and increasing your heart rate, the social aspect of the sport is enough to get you hitting the court and spending time with friends.
Walking – Walking just 30 minutes everyday can help improve circulation, mobility, core strength and even boosts energy levels. If you need a little extra help tracking your walking progress, download the Just Start Walking app to set reminders and map your walk!
Stretching – Ensuring you are stretching correctly may help with the maintenance of your spinal health. A 3-minute spinal health program on the Straighten Up app is designed to improve spinal health, stabilise core muscle groups and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Need a little extra help to get spine active?
To help you form these good spinal habits the team at Health First Chiropractic are able to provide personalised advice and assistance on how to incorporate spine active activities into your everyday life. Chiropractors are well placed to assess and manage disorders of the musculoskeletal system and offer solutions and advice regarding your existing spinal health issues or how to improve your overall spinal health.
For further advice and assistance on how to Get Spine Active, call us on 8396 2929 to book an appointment this World Spine Day.
