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Understanding Spinal Health: The Key to Well-Being
Your spine does more than just keep you upright — it’s your health's backbone (pun intended).
If that sounds like a stretch, take it from Patrick S. McNulty, MD, FABSS, FABOS at McNulty Spine, our award-winning, double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a computer engineering, electrical engineering, and chemistry background. There’s no one more qualified to explain the link between your back and your overall health.
What does your spine do?
Although you learned spinal basics in high school biology, reviewing your spine’s function is worthwhile at all ages and life stages, so here’s a brief overview of your spine’s three main jobs.
Structure and support
Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae stacked on each other and grouped into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. Each section has nerves that branch out to various body parts.
This bony column keeps you upright, stable, and balanced.
Flexibility and motion
Your spine helps you stand tall, allows for complex movements, and absorbs shocks from activities like walking and running.
Protection for your nervous system
Your spine protects your spinal cord, the critical hub of your central nervous system. Your spinal cord is like a superhighway for the nerve signals traveling between your brain and the rest of your body, so protecting it from damage is a high priority.
Why care about spinal health?
It’s easy to understand why heart health relates to overall health, but the link between your spine and general well-being may not be as obvious. Dr. McNulty sees the widespread effects of poor spinal health daily and wants all our patients to understand the connection.
A healthy spine can prevent chronic pain
Ignoring your spinal health can lead to chronic pain conditions like lower back pain and sciatica. Working, exercising, or even enjoying leisure activities is challenging when these issues strike.
A healthy spine keeps you mobile
A healthy spine ensures that you can move freely and comfortably. It helps you maintain the good posture, balance, and coordination you need for everything from sports to daily chores.
A healthy spine boosts your overall health
Your spine affects all your body’s systems, so poor spinal health can lead to digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular concerns.
The link between spinal health and well-being
Preventing chronic back pain and staying agile are pretty obvious reasons for focusing on spinal health, but the third point — boosting overall health — isn’t as readily apparent. Here’s a deeper dive into the relationship between spinal and overall health.
Nervous system function
Your spine houses and protects your spinal cord, the central hub that transmits nerve signals. Any misalignment or damage can disrupt these signals, leading to various health issues, from numbness to organ dysfunction.
Impact on other systems
If your spine is misaligned, it can compress your nerves and affect the organs and systems they control. For example, a pinched nerve in your lower back can lead to digestive issues, while one in your upper back can cause respiratory problems.
Mental well-being
Chronic spinal issues like pain and reduced mobility can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Things that can go wrong with your spine
Spinal problems can arise from various factors, including poor posture, lack of exercise, and genetics. Some of the most common spinal issues include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Kyphosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylosis
- Lordosis
- Sciatica
These issues can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely debilitating and often require medical intervention.
Common symptoms of spinal issues include persistent back pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the limbs.
How to strengthen your spine health
Following a few common-sense habits can give your spine the best chance of staying healthy and doing its job throughout your life.
Move more
Regular physical activity like swimming, yoga, and even walking strengthens the muscles supporting your spine.
Focus on good posture
Good posture reduces the strain on your spine. Ensure your workstation complies with ergonomic standards and focus on your posture throughout the day, especially if you sit for long periods.
Change bad habits
If you have bad habits that affect your spinal health, make some changes. To improve your spinal health, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight.
For more information on keeping your spine in top condition or to get treatment, call McNulty Spine in Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, or request an appointment online.
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