Health & Wellness Newsletter by Agility Physical Therapy & Sports Performance
Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
AVOID BACK PAIN BY IMPROVING YOUR SPINE HEALTH
Are you living with back pain? You may notice that your pain worsens each morning when you wake up, when you have to stand for more than 10 minutes, or when you have to walk long distances. The severity of back pain can range from minor dull aches to sharp stabbing pains. Pain that radiates from the spine down to the buttocks and legs is typically a sign of sciatica. However, your back pain can be avoided and resolved by improving your spinal health. Contact Agility Physical Therapy today to find out how. You may be wondering, “What does this mean? How can I tell if my spine is healthy?” When we think of health, we typically focus on nutrition, exercise, and heart health – but spine health is incredibly important, as well. Your spine does a lot for your body – it protects your spinal cord, allows you to breathe properly, and it is what allows your body to move. In fact, almost every function in your body is directly connected to the health of your spine. This is why spine health is so important. If you are living with back pain, you know how limiting it can be. In order to make sure your spine is at its optimum health, you must achieve the following:
• Strong abdominal and core muscles. • Strong spinal and gluteus muscles. • Good flexibility and balance with side-bending and rotation. • Good nutrition and rest at night. How can I improve the health of my spine? Of course, much like anything else, spine health is easier said than done. Your spine is a complicated structure of vertebrae, discs, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Therefore, it takes a delicate balance to make sure it is at its peak level of health and function. Below are 6 ways to make sure you are doing everything you can to improve the health of your spine: 1. Practice proper nutrition. Nutrition is a critical part of all health, whether you are focusing on your heart, joints, or spine – whatever you do, it is always important to eat right. Healthy fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins and antioxidants that make up a healthy spine function. They help to rebuild the bone, muscle, and connective tissues that are constantly being used throughout the day.
• Good posture and spinal curves.
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AVOID BACK PAIN BY IMPROVING YOUR SPINE HEALTH (CONT.)
2. Get some sleep. Throughout the day, your spine is compressed with standing, sitting, and bending. Did you know that it is actually possible to lose about ½ an inch over the course of a day? Adequate rest in a good position while sleeping helps you maintain a healthy spine. It is ideal to start off lying in bed for the first 10 minutes on your side with your knees curled up, as this allows the discs in your spine to rehydrate. Afterwards, continue sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs or roll onto your back with a pillow under your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. 3. Give up cigarettes. Many studies show that nicotine in cigarettes directly accelerates the breakdown of the discs in the spine and the destroys connective tissues that keep the joints moving properly. In addition, nicotine increases the inflammatory response in the body, disrupting the body’s natural ability to repair itself. 4. Work on the flexibility and strength of your spine. Your body is meant to move – this is the most important purpose of the spine. You can make sure your spine remains flexible by stretching for 10 minutes every day. It is also important to make time to move around when possible at work. Stretch your spine out by reaching overhead and leaning over to one side, then the other. You can also focus on gently twisting at the waist and stretching your hamstrings. Spend 3-4 days a week working on your core strength with abdominal muscle
exercises, so you can keep your spine and core muscles strong. A strong spine and core allows you to move without stressing the discs or nerves in your back. 5. Maintain proper posture and balance. If you sit at a desk during the day, make sure you are sitting in a straight-backed chair and your feet flat on the floor. Avoid sitting on very soft couches for prolonged periods of time, as this keeps your spine in a flexed position. When lifting, make sure you keep your spine straight, lift with your legs, and avoid twisting. Proper balance is important for both the small muscles of your spine and your nervous system. You can enhance your balance by standing on one leg at a time for 10 seconds 3-4 times a week. 6. Go to a physical therapist for spine check-ups. Your physical therapist can check your spine alignment to check for areas that could be improved. It is wise to have your spine checked every 6 months, in order to ensure your back is moving how it should. At Agility Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experts in the field of spine health who can help your back operate as it should. If you have been living with back pain, or you’d like to avoid potential back pain, don’t hesitate to contact Agility Physical Therapy today. By catching back pain early, we can resolve the issue so it doesn’t progress. Don’t live with the limits of back pain – improve your spine health with us today!
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Why You Need To Come In For Another Check-Up: • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
INSTRUCTI Whisk juice, sesame oil (if using) i cabbage, pe mint and sc coat. Serve with sesame • 1 tablespoon • 2 teaspoons • 6 cups thinly INGREDIEN • ⅓ cup orang • 3 tablespoon • 3 tablespoon sauce
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IT’S EASY TO GET HELP FOR YOUR PAIN
Do you struggle with pain, and fear it will get worse?
Don’t let your daily pains become a way of life Move Freely • Alleviate Pain Naturally • Have More Energy • Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Stronger
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Health & Wellness Tips
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INSTRUCTIONS : Whisk juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sambal oelek (if using) in a large bowl. Add cabbage, peas, chicken, mango, mint and scallions; toss gently to coat. Serve the salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. INGREDIENTS : • ⅓ cup orange juice • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar • 3 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil • 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (optional) • 6 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
• 2 cups sugar snap peas, thinly sliced diagonally • 2 cups shredded chicken breast • 1 medium mango, sliced • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint • ¼ cup sliced scallions • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
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CRUNCHY CHICKEN & MANGO SALAD
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PAIN
DO YOU EXPERIENCE PAIN WITH THE FOLLOWING? Standing for more than 15 minutes Squatting up and down from the floor Walking up stairs Running, walking, or physical activities
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When you wake in the morning Doing daily chores or activities
Look at your answers to this checklist then make the decision to get help today. Call Agility Physical Therapy & Sports Performance!
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Exercise Essentials Try this exercise to help keep you moving...
Helps With Flexibility
PRONE ALTERNATE ARM AND LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up an arm and opposite leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time. 6 repetitions on each side.
Exercises copyright of
www.simpleset.net
PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT
“You are wonderful people and have my greatest appreciation and admiration.” “It was not long ago that I fractured my shoulder and could not move my arm. Thanks to all of you at Agility, I have made great progress. Thank you for all of your hard work which gave me faith. You are wonderful people and have my greatest appreciation and admiration. The best wishes go out to Agility and their staff.” - D.F.
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