Walk Into Better Back and Spine Health
Do you frequently feel stiffness or back pain? Back discomfort is a common complaint, especially for those whose occupations entail lifting, prolonged sitting, or prolonged
Walking is a low-effort activity that does not jar the spine or other joints. Our spine is a very delicate structure and is susceptible to injury if we participate in activities that are too high-impact or repetitive. On the other hand, walking is a gentle way to move our spine and joints and a great way to improve our cardiovascular health.
Numerous studies have shown that walking can help improve back pain. For example, in one study, people with chronic lower back pain who walked just 30 minutes a day for six weeks had significantly less pain than those who didn’t walk. Walking also promoted better function and higher satisfaction with their quality of life.
Other studies have shown that walking can help prevent the development of arthritis in the knees. Osteoarthritis is a regressive joint disease that can be very painful and is the number one cause of disability in older adults. Walking can delay or prevent the onset of osteoarthritis by keeping the joints healthy and lubricated.
If you have back pain or other chronic joint pain, walking is what you need to find relief. Walking is a simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to get moving and improve your health. And it’s something you can do almost anywhere, at any time.
Walking Helps You Avoid Stiffness
Do you experience some stiffness at the end of the day after working or playing for hours? When you sit or remain in the same posture for extended periods, your muscles and joints will likely get tight.
Walking relieves stress in your tendons and ligaments while stretching your back, hips, and buttocks muscles. By scheduling a daily walk, you can reduce stiffness and improve your ability to bend over to stretch to reach the top shelf or pick up a laundry basket.
Walking Helps Strengthen Your Muscles
Your back muscles aid in the support and alignment of your spine. When your muscles weaken, you are more likely to experience pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Weak muscles can also pull on your spine, causing some vertebrae to shift out of place.
Chiropractor refers to misalignments as "subluxations," which are painful and can lead to other problems. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments may be affected by subluxations, causing them to tighten and become less flexible. Walking helps to strengthen your muscles and lowers your chances of developing subluxations.
Walking Improves Circulation
Walking and other forms of exercise increase blood flow throughout the body. Blood is necessary for the healthy operation of muscles, tissues, and neurons because it transports oxygen to your body's cells. Your body's ability to remove itself of toxins that may be a factor in your back pain may be made more accessible by improving circulation.
Exercise also helps to reduce the stiffness and inflammation that can come from sitting or standing in one position for too long. When you walk, your muscles contract and push fluids through your joints, which helps to keep them healthy and lubricated.
Walking Reduces Stress
We all experience stress at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, stress can lead to many health problems, including back pain. When stressed, our muscles tense up, and we may adopt poor posture. This can pull on our spine and neck, causing pain. In addition, stress can cause us to grind our teeth or clench our jaws, leading to headaches.
Walking is a great way to reduce stress. Walking releases endorphins, hormones that help improve your mood and make you feel good. Walking can also help clear your mind and give you time to think about things other than your stressors.
Let us help you!
At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic, we are committed to helping you live a healthy and active life. If you are experiencing back pain, we can create a treatment plan that includes chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and exercises.
Call us today to learn how we can help improve your spine and overall health.
Resources:
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https://www.merchantcircle.com/peak-potential-family-chiropractic-houston-tx