Keep your back fit and healthy

Don’t let aches and pains stop you from enjoying yourself this Summer. Lushington Chiropractic offers award winning chiropractic treatment, with a reputation for a warm welcome and effective results will help you keep your back fit and healthy. They will personally tailor your treatment and have you running around again in no time! Research shows that over half of us regularly suffer with backaches, neck pain or headaches, so we thought it was about time to ask our local award-winning chiropractors at Lushington, in Eastbourne town centre, for some advice.

Doctor of Chiropractic, James Revell, from the clinic shares his insights: “When I started in practice over a decade ago people used to just ignore the niggles and aches, waiting for them to build up into major problems. However there’s been a real shift in people’s awareness. People are looking after their bodies better than ever. The key is to listen to your aches and stiffness and act before they get out of control. Prevention is better than cure and will often stop you from needing treatment. People are finally starting to realise they can’t get a ‘replacement spine’ so they’re looking after themselves now before it’s too late.”

His top 6 top tips are:

1. Sitting: Support your low back when sitting and avoid crossing your legs. It’s a difficult habit to change though crossing your legs, and especially curling up on the sofa, will twist your spine.
2. Sleeping: On your back is best for your spine. If you really want to sleep on your side, then put a pillow between your knees so you don’t twist into the recovery position. Sleeping on your front is worst for your spine. It twists your neck and strains your low back all night long.
3. Keep active! Make the most of the summer by getting outside. Get into the habit of taking a brisk walk daily. I always suggest practical or fun exercises because we’re more likely to stick to them if they are easy to fit in our busy day.
4. Water: Experts recommend we should have about 6 to 8 glasses a day. Feeling hungry can sometimes be sign that your body is dehydrated and you need more water. Keeping hydrated will be good for your back too. It’s keeps the discs in your spine well hydrated, reducing the risk of injury.
5. Listen to your body: Pain is a warning. If some- thing is hurting, don’t ignore it.
6. Ice: (no I don’t mean in the gin and tonic!) If you’re achey use an ice pack, wrapped up for 5-10 minutes to calm any swelling. Although hot baths feel nice they rarely help. The heat from a bath or hot pack can often worsen the swelling associated with an injury.

Finally James adds: “Remember to congratulate yourself when you reach your health goals or you stick to a new habit. You need to celebrate your achievements. If you make it all hard work you’ll never stick to it.”

On Wednesday 23rd July, Lushington have their famous summer Open Day from 11am until 3pm. See their website www.chirocare.co.uk for the list of talks, free tasters and special guest visitor, or call Lushington Chiropractic on 01323 722499 for details. Or you’re welcome to just pop in and see us!

Health tips provided by Lushington Chiropractic, Eastbourne