Now that we’ve bid farewell to another year, it’s time to welcome the New Year with open arms!  This is also the time when we make resolutions to improve ourselves in the coming 12 months.  Are you making any resolutions this year?  At Resurgens Spine Center, we’d like to encourage you to make a resolution to improve your spine health.  Here are a few resolutions you could make in the new year to help you have a healthier spine, not just this year, but every year to come:

Exercise Core Muscles
The core muscles are comprised of many small muscle groups that support the spine, including the abs and back muscles.  One great way to ensure your spine stays healthy is to strengthen these muscles so that they can pick up some of the stress your body is exposed to every day, giving your spine a rest.  Because the spine is made from bony vertebra cushioned by fluid-filled cartilage discs, it is susceptible to wear and tear.  The stronger your core muscles are, the less stress will have to be absorbed by the spinal discs.  This year, think about talking to your doctor about exercises you can do to strengthen your core muscles that are appropriate for your age and fitness level.  Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Think More about Your Posture

Your spine takes a lot of punishment, even when you’re sitting or standing still.  If you have poor posture, vertebral discs can become pinched in certain areas, potentially leading to painful conditions like osteoarthritis in the spine.  This occurs when fluid in the discs gets depleted, causing the vertebra to rub directly against one another.  Over time, this can actually wear down the bone, causing pain and limited mobility.  Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your posture when standing or sitting, so make a resolution to talk to your doctor about things you can do at home and at work to keep your spine healthy.

Get More Sleep and Better Sleep
While you’re asleep, your body is actually hard at work repairing the damage you’ve received throughout the day.  One of these repair tasks includes replenishing the synovial fluid that fills your vertebral discs.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, you won’t be able to fully refill your discs, potentially causing problems down the road.  One good way to get more sleep and better sleep is to replace your saggy, old mattress with a new one.  In this new year, you may want to resolve to talk to your doctor about your sleep and which types of mattresses would be best for you.

These are just a few ideas for New Year’s resolutions that can help you have a healthier spine.  No matter what your spine health resolution might be, it’s important to include your doctor in the process so you can ensure you’ll have the best possible outcome.  At Resurgens Spine Center, we’re always available to answer your questions or concerns about your spine health, so don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment.  Happy New Year from Resurgens Spine Center!