Your Spinal Health

Saturday October 16 is World Spine Day and the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (CAA) is urging Australians to brush up on their spine health knowledge.

The spine is one of the most underrated parts of the body

This is reinforced by the fact that CAA member chiropractors find that around 70 per cent of new chiropractic patients don’t understand the critical role the spine plays to protect the spinal cord, which connects the brain to every cell, tissue and organ in the body.

The lack of understanding in the greater population is probably even more

widespread. Spinal health is the key to a healthy nervous system, but most people don’t appreciate the link until it’s too late, taking their spine for granted. For most of us, it’s a case of out of sight, out of mind, until someone experiences pain.

The moving bones of the spine protect the intricate communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If these nervous system pathways are impaired, malfunction of the tissue and organ function throughout the body can result.

Unfortunately, pain is usually the last sign of an underlying problem that may have been present in the body for some time.

Back-related issues are widespread in Australia and worldwide.

According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the CAA, nearly 80 per cent of Australians suffer from back pain, with the most common causes perceived as injury, lifting and poor posture.

 In the same way that you see a dentist for regular dental health check-ups, it makes sense to pay attention to your spine and consult an expert for regular check-ups before an underlying problem becomes a major issue.

Every minute of every day your spine works to support you as you walk, work, sit, play and exercise. Even when you are being inactive, lounging in front of the TV for example, your spine is still working, so don’t take it for granted – treat it with the respect it deserves. Put quite simply, a healthy spine, means a healthier life.

Chiropractors are university trained, government regulated and registered healthcare professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and management of spinal health related problems.