Dr. Michael Wilson and the team at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA, are dedicated to helping you avoid or recover from a herniated disc through a personalized, natural chiropractic care plan.
6 Tips for Preventing Herniated Discs
Herniated discs can lead to excruciating pain, numbness, and other undesirable symptoms that can negatively impact your life. While they are sometimes the result of an unavoidable accident, they are often caused by habits and lifestyle factors. The following tips can help you address those habits and lifestyle factors to minimize your risk of developing herniated discs.
1. Exercise
Exercise is essential for many reasons, including preventing musculoskeletal injuries. When you exercise your core, you strengthen the very muscles that support your spine. The more support the bones have, the less likely you are to develop herniated discs or other injuries.
2. Stretch
Daily life can literally weigh your spinal column down, as can sitting for long periods or being very active. Taking some time to stretch each day can help elongate the spine and undo compression. It’s also wise to stretch after sitting at a desk, carrying out any manual tasks like lifting, or exercising.
3. Lift Properly
Whether you are lifting objects at work or at home, it’s vital that you be careful. Using improper lifting techniques can lead to herniated discs and other injuries that can leave you in a great deal of pain. Always lift with your legs and avoid twisting while lifting.
4. Practice Good Posture
Sitting for prolonged periods can cause spinal compression, herniated discs, nerve compression, and more. However, you can reduce the chance of these occurring by practicing good posture as you sit. Additionally, be sure that you take breaks at least every hour to stretch and walk around.
5. Change Your Sleep Position
It’s important that your spine is in a neutral position when you sleep. Unfortunately, sleeping on your front puts your spine in an unnatural position, which puts it at risk for various issues. Sleep on your side or back instead.
6. Visit Your Chiropractor
Visiting Dr. Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield CA is another important step in preventing a herniated disc. Regular chiropractic visits help maintain spinal alignment, undo compression and other factors that might lead to a herniated disc, and help you develop healthier spinal habits.
Whether you’ve already developed a herniated disc or are trying to prevent one, Dr. Wilson and our team at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA, are here to help. Call (707) 426-1111 to schedule an appointment today.