Do your ever wonder why some people never complain of back or neck pain? Chances are good these people have - intentionally or not - managed to avoid many of the established spinal pain risk factors. These risk factors include such things as

• abnormal posture

• imbalance of flexibility and strength (particularly between the key postural muscle groups)

• incorrect spinal position, shape and alignment

• lack of general physical fitness

• previous trauma… and others.

An important factor in spinal pain that is often overlooked involves the wisdom, or willingness, to respect one's body. Respect for one's body can have many dimensions. Most of these involve common sense, yet we all choose to ignore them regularly. The first act in truly respecting one's body is to LISTEN and LEARN. You must listen to your body and learn what it's telling you.

Our bodies have remarkable compensating abilities, and frequently problems can go unnoticed for long periods before significant pain or symptoms start. Some of us have higher pain thresholds and can actually have a serious injury…but only feel minimal pain.

The key is to learn how to listen to your body so the early warning signs of something malfunctioning or being overloaded are recognized. An example is becoming aware of, and sensitive to, different kinds of pain: mild soreness, stiffness, ache, sharp pain upon sudden movement, general versus localized pain, pain that seems to radiate or referred pain, etc.

A rule of thumb, Mild soreness or stiffness following an activity is usually due to a soft tissue overload of spinal discs, ligaments or muscles. The remedy is many times simply to change activity, change position and posture, and exercise opposite muscle groups. Sharp or radiating pain, or pain which persists, is a different story and is a sign you require professional help. Your Chiropractic doctor is an expert in the diagnosis of joint, muscle and other musculoskeletal problems, and can assist you in regaining optimum health safely and effectively.

Respecting one's body also necessitates learning what one's limitations are & respecting these limitations. If you want to maintain a healthy back and know from experience that 18 holes of golf two days in a row is more than your back can comfortably handle, respect that! In fact, if you want to improve your golf game, give some serious consideration to having your spine aligned for maximum health and flexibility.

You’d be amazed at what fluid spinal movement can do for any athletic pursuit.

Finally, showing respect for one's body means getting adequate rest, optimum nourishment, regular moderate exercise (consisting of aerobic, strengthening and stretching) and maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system. All if really takes is using your common sense and exercising good judgment! Good luck! If you have any questions, call our office at 661-2225!