Sarah Oliver Osteopathy

January detox – Don’t forget your back

26th January, 2011 - Posted by Sarah - No Comments

Everyone talks about spending January doing a ‘detox’ and many people give it a go, some more enthusiastically than others.

Although you need long term lifestyle improvements to really look after your health, a month of cycling to work everyday and avoiding alcohol and sweets is certainly a step in the right direction.

Amongst all the calorie counting and exercising, how often do you think about the health of your back?  Just like the rest of your mind and body, your spine needs to be looked after.  Health isn’t just about working out and being able to fit into your skinny jeans; it is about achieving a complete state of well being.  That’s just not possible if you’re aching and stiff and your back hurts every time you sit down.

So what can you do?

• Keep moving – staying still for longer than about 30 mins does you no good at all.
• Maintain good posture – whether your are sat at your desk, standing on the tube, buying your groceries or watching tv, do your best to stand tall and avoid slouching.
• Choose supportive shoes – Shoes which support your feet, fit correctly and have a shock absorbing sole will help relieve stress on your legs and spine.
• Sleep on a supportive mattress – Mattresses are a matter of personal taste, but as a general rule you should buy the best you can afford.  It should be firm enough to support your weight, but soft enough to be comfortable on your hips and shoulders.
• Have a check up – We go to our doctors, dentists, opticians and hairdressers regularly to keep ourselves looking and feeling good.  The same should be true for your spine.  An expert on bones, joints and muscles such as an Osteopath will be able to tell you what sort of condition your back is in, and give your treatment and advice to keep you in the best possible condition.  If you are in the East London area you can make an appointment with me today, or come in for a free 15 minute to chat to see how I can help.