The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and chiropractors nationwide are promoting the benefits of movement to overall health as well as the prevention of back pain during National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) in October. This year’s theme, “Move 4 Life,” encourages people to move more now so they will be able to move better later and avoid chronic and painful conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles.
Research shows there is a worldwide pandemic of increasing inactivity. In the U.S., only about half of all adults get the recommended amount of physical activity, putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes as well as falls and low back pain.
The ACA offers additional information on how to get and stay moving:
Good nutrition, ergonomic workspaces and proper lifting and movement techniques can go a long way in helping people to strengthen their spines and avoid disabling injuries and chronic back pain, which often prevent regular physical activity.
Consider weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, which help maintain bone density over a lifetime and keep our skeletal bones healthy and strong.
When busy schedules are the obstacle, a re-examination of personal priorities is sometimes necessary to restore balance in life; make time for healthy habits such as physical activity.
Back pain is one of the most common conditions for which prescription opioids are prescribed. It was once believed that pain medication and bed rest were the best course of action for low back pain, but research today supports first trying non-drug options for pain management, while remaining as active as possible, before moving on to other options.
Doctors of chiropractic practice offer a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care and pain relief that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. In addition to their expertise in spinal manipulation, chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, and to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
For more information, visit www.acatoday.org/patients.