The spine is the pillar on which our body rests, it not only allows us to stand upright, but it also gives protection to the spinal cord, which is in charge of carrying information from the brain to all body structures.
Although it is true that some people are more prone to have spinal problems, either due to genetic factors or some diseases, many of the spinal alterations can be mitigated by applying some measures trying to improve quality of life and maintaining a healthy spine.
Some habits that can be beneficial and that can be applied to all people are:
- Maintain an adequate body weight. Excess body weight can not only cause diabetes and high blood pressure. This increase can generate an excess of mechanical loads on the vertebrae which can end up causing them to compensate for these bodily changes, which can accelerate the degenerative process, initially manifesting itself by pain predominantly at the dorsal or lumbar area.
- Exercise is one of the main modiffication we can apply to carry out a healthy life in general. However, exercising takes practice and discipline. Exercise should be carried out according to our needs, always assisted by a professional who guides us in the areas that we are going to work and the way in which we must do it. It is important to get advice before starting any sports activity to avoid injuries that could compromise the body’s function.
- Proper posture: Nowadays it is more and more common to stay seated working in front of a computer, a desk, long hours behind the wheel, people whose work includes moving heavy loads, among others. Since this is part of an important percentage of our day, it is necessary to pay attention to the posture that we assume when working. It is important to have adequate chairs that allow us to comfortably support our back, keep the neck in a straight position and facing front to avoid tension at the cervical area. In cases where the work activity includes the load of weights, it is important to have security measures, and train in the correct way to move objects using arms and legs so as not to generate excessive loads at the level of the spine.
