Tips on Keeping Joints Limber, Healthy As You Age
Introduction
As we grow older, we tend to experience pains, aches, and stiffness in the joints. Many people assume that this discomfort will just go away with time. When it comes to the spine, you can anticipate some decline in flexibility and function as the intervertebral disks and bone start deteriorating over time. However, there are certain things you can do now in order to help maintain the flexibility and comfort of your spine in your old age. In this article, YK Orthopaedics will get you acquainted with what happens to your spine with age, common conditions in adults, and how to prevent back pain in the future.
Signs That Appear As You Age
You will see many signs that pinpoint the presence of a spinal issue that needs medical attention, such as:
- Progressive weakness
- Poor balance
- Consistent pain or aggravating pain for more than two months
Tips To Prevent Spinal Conditions At Home
- Regular Exercise
You must strengthen your core muscles through precisely focused workout routines that include walking, swimming, flexion and extension exercises, as well as other aerobic workouts. In addition, working out helps in maintaining a healthy weight as it is also extremely important for spinal health.
- Say No To Smoking
With smoking comes various negative impacts on your vertebral column’s health. This happens because nicotine tends to weaken the supply of blood towards intervertebral discs and the musculature of your back. Reduced blood supply results in inflammation of discs and soft tissues.
- Avoid Over-exerting Your Back
Make sure you don’t lift heavy weights because it may cause the tearing of the muscles in your back muscles along with the intervertebral discs.
- A supportive Mattress Is Necessary
Buy a supportive mattress and change your sleeping position, as they are neither soft nor hard. Comfortably adjust yourself on the mattress, and make sure not to sleep on your stomach. Sleeping on the side with a pillow between both legs for an ideal sleeping posture.
- Proper Posture Is Mandatory
Equip yourself with the right functional designs for work that support your spine, so you do not have to slouch or lean forward to maintain a proper posture.
- Treat Sprains And Strains
If you are experiencing any strain or stress, it is necessary that you treat it with proper rest, cold or hot baths, anti-inflammatory medication, along with home remedies. Get in touch with us if it still does not get better.
- Massage Therapies Always Help
Massages are not only for therapeutic benefits. They are also ideal for relieving stress. A great body massage releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers that are there in the bloodstream.
- Calcium Intake Should Be Sufficient
Taking calcium is paramount in order to keep your bones and joints strong. You will start experiencing regressive changes in the bones after you turn 30. So, you must take sufficient calcium.
Bottom Line!
It is important that you follow the tips discussed above so as to have a healthy spine when you get old. If you are experiencing any worrying strain or stress, get in touch with us and make an appointment to seek medical attention.