What 3 Things Could Be Affecting Your Back and Neck Health?

The problem with neck and back pain is that it does not discriminate; it could affect anyone, regardless of age and general health. You may be thinking this doesn’t apply to you due to never having any back or neck pain. What you are not considering are the daily habits that impact your spine, which may result in future back and neck issues. The following, from Atlantic Spine Specialists, is a list to consider that may be causing negative effects on your back and neck health:

• Your Job – Do you have a desk job? Long days of sitting still and not being active are taking a toll on your health. On average, we sit about 9.3 hours a day, which is typically more than we spend sleeping. These hours add up. Not only does sitting for long periods of time affect your circulation and metabolism, but it also affects your posture. We tend to slouch when sitting in front of a computer, which in turn causes serious neck and back pain over time. The best way to combat this is to become aware of how long you sit at work and to take stretching breaks in between long stints of sitting.

• Overweight – We know this is more difficult to correct than sitting up straight, but being overweight does have a negative effect on your back and neck, not to mention your general health.  Being overweight can also significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and many other spinal illnesses. The spine is specifically designed to distribute the body’s weight evenly. The more weight that is carried, the more the spine is overburdened which can lead to injury. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help you lose weight and protect your spine from being overstressed.

• Smoking – For the few out there that still smoke, damage to your back is also a part of the risk factors associated with this habit. Researchers have found that smoking hurts the vascular structures of the discs in the back and contributes to the development of degenerative lumbar spinal problems. Isn’t this a significant reason to finally quit?

If you are looking to speak to experts regarding back and neck health options, look no further than Atlantic Spine Specialists. To meet with one of our doctors, Dr. Carl P. Giordano or Dr. Richard S. Nachwalter request a consultation now or call Atlantic Spine Specialists’ office in Morristown, New Jersey at (973) 971-3500.