If your spine could talk, it would probably tell you that it needs some attention! Ideally you should take just 30 seconds every hour to move the spine. Doing this will support a healthier posture and a healthier you.
Microbreaks to support your spine health
Take micro breaks during your workday. Walk to the bathroom, grab a drink of water, or simply move your spine by gentle neck and waist movements, or stretching your arms overhead.
Dr. Aaron Armetta, a Chiropractor at the Omaha VA Medical Center, offers several simple movements that can help release the tension and strain on our necks and backs. Check out this 5-minute video to learn how to take care of your spine at work and at home.
Moving your body improves your health and your life
Exercise can help your back muscles strengthen and become more flexible. Ask your health care provider about exercises for your back. Physical therapy can help to develop a home exercise program.
Many people benefit from exercises such as tai chi or yoga since these exercises address how to be mindful of your body posture. If you have anxiety or fear that keeps you from exercising, it is important to talk with your health care provider. They can tailor an exercise program to your current level and ability.
Read more about how to take care of your spine and practice additional exercises here:
- Back Basics: A Healthy Spine | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
- Neck Exercises- Neck Rotation | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
- Back Exercises- Cat and Cow | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
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My spine saying a lot!
very informative
In 1960 I was assigned to MABS 32 located at Beaufort Marine Airbase. On a trip to Puerto Rico aboard a “LST 1171″we were delivering support vehicles to, I believe Roosevelt Road. As I was driving a “NC-5” Generator vehicle from the top deck out to the beach, the vehicle lost its brakes. When I hit the bottom of the rampI was catapulted high in the air and landed on the Ty-down chains from the previous vehicles. At the time I thought nothing of it and continued with my duty. Some time later though I believe back at Beaufort, my back started hurting. I went to sick bay and the doctor took x-rays. He said that I had a broken back. I thought he was kidding but he added that I had a cracked vertebra and there was a calcium deposit that was pinching the nerve. At the time I did not get any therapy and over the years learned to just live with it. For the last, now, 20 years or so it has gotten worse and limits my ability to do the things I would like to do. It is difficult getting out of bed, bending over, or even tying my shoes. The VA here in the Los Angeles area has taken x-rays and done cat scans and tell me the my condition is now chronic. A couple of years ago I started to file a claim but was unable to get any records of the time I injured my back so I did not follow up on it. Is there someone who can help me file this claim? Is it even possible to find the records that would allow the claim to be made? I would really appreciate so help. Thank You.
It’s great their is a helpful information so I can read more often on ways to help my arthritis in several areas thank you