If you’ve suffered from acute or chronic back or neck pain, think about putting the following changes into your lifestyle. 

1. Be More Active – Aerobic exercise is an important part of keeping your overall health. Active people have less back and neck pain than individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle. If you are trying to start fresh, try to talk to your chiropractor or doctor first to check your health to make sure you can work out. After, start slowly and increase the intensity and frequency.

2. Improve Your Posture - No matter if you’re standing, sitting, sleeping, or working at a desk, your posture really does matter. Back and neck conditions come from the strain of a poorly supported spine. Try to keep your spine in a “neutral” position. To lessen back and neck pain while sleeping, try to avoid thick or multiple pillows, and avoid sleeping on your stomach. For help on starting up an ergonomic workstation, download this infographic. 

3. Clean Up Your Diet – An importnat pillar of good health is proper nutrition. Being overweight will inevitably bring more strain on your spine. You need to lessen the consumption of red meat & refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour, and try to increase your consumption of veggies and fruits. Opt for "healthy" oils like olive or canola, and always choose water over carbonated, caffeinated, or calorie-laden beverages.

4. Stretch More – 10-15 minutes of stretching every day will most likely have a large impact on how your body feels and works. Try this simple Bruegger Relief stretch that can really be performed just about anywhere. 

5. Visit A Chiropractor – In the same way visiting the dentist is beneficial for your teeth, the same goes for having an appoitment with a spinal expert. If you suffer from back or neck pain, call us for a check-up. We can determine the root cause of the problem and we will work to get you get back to a more comfortable life.