World Spine Day 16th October

World Spine Day

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World Spine Day: Back pain putting people off exercise

Did you know that 16th October is World Spine Day? This year, we at Sevenoaks and Beckenham Chiropractic Clinics are urging more people to be aware of the benefits of exercise for improving their back health. New research has found that 37% of people in South East England have been prevented from exercising due to back or neck pain, and an unfortunate 35% felt it was exercise itself which triggered their pain.

Dr Chris Chippendale comments:

“We really want as many people as possible to get out there and enjoy sports. Moderate exercise is essential to build and maintain strength and flexibility, improving posture and protecting you from any further pain.

“The spine is naturally strong and stable so it’s worrying to find that so many people are being prevented from staying active due to back pain. While total rest may seem like a good way to recover, often continuing moderate physical activity will help in the long run. Your local chiropractor will be able to advise on what is right for you.”

To help people of all ages and fitness levels back pain-proof their exercise routines this World Spine Day, we have developed these top tips:

Know your equipment: When trying a new activity, it’s always best to make sure you ask your instructor how your equipment should be set up, and make sure it’s right for you. For example, if you’re cycling or spinning, you need to set your saddle and handlebar to the correct height so that you are in a comfortable position that isn’t putting tension on your neck or back

Know your limits: Even professional athletes aren’t born ready, it takes time to build the intensity of your practice. If you try a new sport, or want to intensify your workout, it’s important to take a slow approach and not to push your body’s limits. It is always advisable to visit a professional who can assess your body’s capabilities and advise on a safe way of training based on your body’s limitations

Warm up and cool down: Before starting any form of physical activity, you should warm up any muscle groups which might be affected whilst you exercise. If you use them without preparing them first, it could cause you pain and injury which could have been prevented

Reduce the impact: If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercise to reduce the impact on your joints and muscles. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body keeping your joints mobile!

Not all exercise is the same: The fittest of athletes will still find it difficult to adapt to a new sport, as each sport uses some muscle groups more than others. With this in mind, always approach a new activity with care and don’t assume that you can jump in at the deep end!

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) recommends that, if you are experiencing pain for more than a few days then you seek professional help, as an undiagnosed problem could lead to longer-term problems if left untreated.

The BCA has also created a programme of 3-minute exercises, Straighten Up UK, which can be slotted in to your daily schedule to help improve posture and prevent back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine.

As always, if you ever have any questions or would like more information about keeping your back healthy, give us a call or request a Free Spine Check with one of our Doctors of Chiropractic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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