AYN Advice

Keeping your spine healthy.

A HEALTHY SPINE

Doctors of chiropractic, such as Dr.Lapointe, focus on preventing health problems before the onset of symptoms. Specifcally, chiropractors examine the spine for postural misalignments: areas in the spine where bones (vertebrae) are askew. This condition, known as vertebral subluxation, may lead to a wide range of ailments , such as back pain, headache and carpel tunnel syndrome. In addition, ongoing research suggests that vertebral subluxations may play a role in ear infections, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, colic and several other maladies.

INVEST in headsets for your home and office telephones- and light-weight earpieces for your cell phone. These gadgets prevent neck strain associated with cradling the handset between the shoulder and ear.

QUESTION your doctor about the appropriateness of GLUCOSAMINE and CHONDROITIN SULFATE supplements for your particular situation. Both supplements are linked with preventing degeneration of cartilage in vertebral joints. Always let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription medications or other supplements.

DRINK six to eight glasses of purified water each day. Adequate hydration is essential to keep the intravertebral discs separating the spine’s vertebrae soft and elastic. When these discs become dehydrated, they shrink and lose flexibility. As a result, the discs may fail to provide ample cushioning to the adjacent vertebrae.

AVOID keeping your wallet in your back pocket. In addition to attracting pickpockets, you may be hurting your spine and squashing your sciatic nerve. Disproportionate weight can distort posture. Worst of all, sitting on a stuffed wallet may throw hip bones out of alignment, leading to low-back pain.

SLEEP on your back. Sleeping on your stomach torques vertebrae in neck, predisposing your spine to vertebral subluxations.

START each day with this posture-perfect exercise: Bend your torso at the waist, arm dangling toward the floor. Take several deep breaths and relax. Next, slowly bring your toso upright. As you uncurl, focus on your spinal column and imagine each vertebrae shifting into alignment - one at a time. Continue your slow ascent, taking deep breaths as you go, until your neck is in the proper position.

MAINTAIN regular chiropractic checkups to stay subluxation-free. Ask your doctor to suggest a scedule that will keep you on track.