What daily action do you take in support of your spine?

If you are a chronic sitter, proactive spinal care is a must. There is no disagreement among health professionals that sitting is the worst possible position for your spine. It puts more pressure on the spine than any standing or lying down, and the pressure is increased even further by poor posture, which is epidemic among chronic sitters. Here are the worst things that happen to your body (from a chiropractic perspective) while you sit:

• Glutes and hamstring muscles weaken
• Hip flexors tighten and pull your body out of alignment
• You gain weight which increases the pressure on your spine 
• You develop stiffness throughout the back, but especially in the shoulders and the neck.

The cumulative effect is a weakening and destabilization at the base of the spine, which leaves you vulnerable to back pain and spinal degeneration. 

Daily action to protect your spine against the dangers of chronic sitting

Our all star spine-protecting exercise for chronic sitters is the Lateral Leg Lift. It actively combats the forces which seek to weaken your muscles and compromise your spinal stability. Here is how you do it: 

• Start by lying on your side. 
• Extend your lower arm so that it points straight ahead.
• Taking care to maintain alignment throughout the body, gently lift both of your legs until your lower ankle is 4-6 inches above the ground.
• Hold 15-20 seconds or as long as is comfortable.
• Gently lower your legs back to the floor, switch sides and repeat

Proactivity makes for spinal health

The Lateral Leg Lift is just one of the moves we can show you that will make a difference in your back pain if you have been sitting too much. If you are looking to turn the tables in favor of your spine this year, give our office in a call to schedule an appointment today.