Posts Tagged ‘back’

Yoga and the Spine

March 3rd, 2012

The Sanskrit word for the spine in yoga is “Brahma Danda”, which can be literally translated into “the walking stick of the lord”. This implies that it is as essential for the body as a walking stick can be. A fit, strong and well aligned spine is crucial in leading a healthy and pain free life, therefore there are a number of yoga asanas that are specifically targeted to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of the back and spine of the yogi. These asanas assist in strengthening as well as increasing flexibility of the entire spinal column in order to eliminate any back related health issues that already exist or might arise.

The spinal column is divided in three major portions which consist of the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar areas. All three bear the stress induced by the body but in different ways. The cervical part consists of the seven vertebrae » Read more: Yoga and the Spine

Healthy Spines Through Smart Sleeping

February 15th, 2012

Spinal health is critical to general physical wellbeing. Like a mast on a ship, the spinal column directs and controls movement. Its stability is vital, and its maintenance is a constant task that needs to be consciously addressed each day. One need not scan medical journals for studies and statistics on the back, the importance of a high-performing spine is known, the task now is to ensure its health.

Many individuals do not have the time or energy to be working on their spine during the course of the day, this is just as well, your best chance at improving spine and back health is to learn to sleep the spine-healthy way.

Well known advice from physicians suggests that humans should give themselves six to eight hours of sleep per night. There is a school of thought that says that one may catch up on their slumber at a later time and make up for sleep deficits incurred during a night of sleeplessness. To be clear: be it from work or play, slumber lost is not slumber that can be “made-up.” » Read more: Healthy Spines Through Smart Sleeping

Spinal Health

February 1st, 2012

There are 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx that make up the spine. Nerves from the spinal cord pass between the vertebrae, and they in turn send thousands of branches to every part of our body. These are the nerves that carry impulses (messages) to the millions of cells throughout the body. In affect they are the lines of communication between the brain and the cells. Spinal health is what we will be discussing. Maintaining a healthy spine for a Chiropractor is the number one priority. First you must get to know your body.

This means that you have to be aware of the way we sit, stand, walk, sleep, and how we perform our daily activities, both at work and play. Starting with a good night’s sleep will set you up for a pleasant day. Use a good firm mattress, but not one that is extremely hard as to prevent your body from it’s » Read more: Spinal Health