Getting healthy is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. However, many people focus their health goals on improving their diets and shedding excess weight. While both are great ideas, it’s also good to think about improving the health of other parts of your body – like your spine. Back pain impacts millions of Americans every single day. The good news, though, is that there are steps you can take to improve spinal health and reduce back pain. Check out these ways to improve spinal health in the New Year.

Allow Your Spine to Rest While Sleeping

When you lie down at night, your body finally has a chance to rest after a long day. Allowing your spine to rest and be rejuvenated means sleeping on pillows and a mattress that provides the proper support. Consider your personal preferences and the positions in which you normally sleep when making a decision. Choose the mattress and pillows that are best suited to your own needs and preferences.

Strengthen Your Core Muscles

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The muscles in your abdomen and lower back make up what is known as your core. These muscles need to be strong to support your spine and alleviate pressure in your lower back. Unfortunately, most of us do not use these muscles regularly during normal daily activities, and they are often much weaker than they should be. To strengthen your core, engage in about 20-30 minutes of daily exercise that targets these areas.

Give Yourself a Supportive Foundation

Your shoes provide a foundation for your entire body. Good shoes are supportive, and they are designed to keep your spine and body in proper alignment. Poorly designed shoes, however, can make back pain and other ailments worse. Look for quality shoes that fit properly and provide a good, supportive foundation.

Practice Good Ergonomics

If you spend a large part of your day sitting, you are putting a lot of excess strain on your lower back. Stand up as often as possible. If possible, switch from your regular desk to a standing desk for at least part of the day. If you must spend your entire day sitting, invest in an ergonomic chair and practice good posture. Try not to sit for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time without taking a break to walk around.

Whether you already have a bad back or you want to prevent future problems, the easy tips listed above can help you improve the overall health of your spine. You may also want to visit your Denver physical therapist to learn more about how to improve spinal health. To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us today by calling 303-757-7280.