Love your spine this Valentine’s Day

It’s Love Your Spine Month!!

Happy February and Happy Valentine’s Day!

This month, we thought we’d add your S-P-I-N-E to the list of things to L-O-V-E because, without good spinal health, a lot of things can feel really bad!

So here are Dr. Michael’s Top 5 Simple Secrets to Loving Your S-P-I-N-E!

S – STRETCH! Stretching is one of those unsung heroes that everyone knows about but doesn’t take very seriously until you can’t do it! It’s the one simple secret that can be the difference between life and health when you really need it! 
Studies show that regular stretching can improve overall health and wellness. If there is ONE THING that you do each day for your health – STRETCH. Stretching at the start of the day helps get your brain, body, and blood flow off to a much better start! Your muscles don’t move themselves – that’s on you! Stretching helps tone and detox your muscles and body’s fascia, it helps to soothe and manage back and neck pain, it helps get the blood flowing to areas that can become stagnated by lack of movement, and it increases blood flow to your brain and body helping you to become more alert and aware! Imagine if all we needed was a little stretching instead of a sugary, caffeinated beverage to start our day? 

P – POSTURE! Most of us have poor posture and we don’t even realize it! Did you know that poor posture puts a great deal of stress on your lower and upper back? That then creates a domino effect of poor breathing, poor nerve flow, poor circulation, poor digestion, and even poorer moods.  Posture-related problems are on the rise with “text neck” and many people

working from a laptop or sitting at a desk all day. This can throw off your entire day and in the long run, can cause more serious issues.  

So! Here is Dr. Michael’s Posture Checklist (When sitting):

1. Sit with your shoulders back and roll your shoulders up, back, and down while keeping your chin parallel to the floor and stretching the top of your spine up toward the sky as if you are pulling your entire spine (all the way down to your seat) apart to give proper space between vertebrae. Be sure to NOT overemphasize the curves in your spine. Keep things neutral and natural. 
2. With your arms at your sides and elbows straight and even, distribute your body weight evenly between both hips. 
3. Pull that belly button into your spine! This Pilates move activates your core and helps to relieve back pain as it naturally engages and strengthens your core. It also helps you to keep your spine in its natural shape. 
4. Your knees should be at a right angle, even, and pointed straight. 
5. Your feet flat on the floor with your body weight evenly distributed. It may feel funny at first, but your body will thank you in the long run.
   
   
   
   I – INCREASE THAT CORE STRENGTH! – As above, one of the best moves while sitting, standing, or even walking is to pull the belly button into your spine and activate the core muscles along your entire abdomen. It’s one of those simple secrets that no one will know you’re doing while you’re standing in the lift, driving your car or even sitting at your desk! It’s a great way to remind your body to keep in great shape!
   
   N – NAP! – While a good night’s sleep can do a world of good for our health, so can naps! More and more people are experiencing sleep deprivation these days and studies are showing that it is affecting their mental, emotional, and physical health in ways we’ve never experienced before. Depression, anxiety, adult-onset health problems, and issues with focus are all on the rise among young people these days. This creates a problem for the future if dis-ease is on the rise at a much earlier age. Dr. Michael encourages short power naps where you can and when you can. It helps naturally boost energy and mood and helps your body to get the rest it needs.
   
   E – ELECTRICITY! – Many people don’t know that spinal care adjustments help activate the electricity flow in the body. It’s one of those things that you need to live but you can’t see or quantify with reason and logic. It’s like electricity running through your home. You can’t see it turn on your lights – they just turn on! Just like inside your body, electricity is vital to things turning on! 
   
   Regular adjustments are important to keep your spine well-aligned and looked after and your tailor-made treatment plan is the simple secret to your overall health, well-being, and longevity!
   
   To treat your S-P-I-N-E with some L-O-V-E this month, be sure to book in quickly!
   Your in health
   
   ​Dr Michael Pim