Spinal Musings

How to look after your spine – updated!

Hi all.

Some of you will remember my four rules about looking after your spine. Four rules never really sat too well with me. Even though it’s an even number and the square of two, it needed to be five – i’m a decimal kind of guy after all. So after much deliberation, and some common sense, I’ve figured out my FIVE rules for looking after your back.

1. Don’t smoke.

2. Lose weight.

3. Do “Core” Exercises.

4. Maintain good posture, and lift things with a good technique, and at last

5. Avoid aggravating activities. This is the one that took me some time to realise needed to be in here. How many times do people say that their back is fine until they do gardening / lift an engine block / etc. It sounds simple, but if you can avoid those activities that cause back pain, then that’s a very simple and drug free way of looking after your back. Some activities can’t be avoided, sure, but try and not do the things that hurt. Does that mean you’re getting old? Well, how do I say it? I know – I wont.

All the best,

John