Healthy Back Tips For A Long Healthy Life

1. See your chiropractor regularly, especially if you are ill, under a lot of stress, pregnant or in an accident or trauma.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier. Eat organic, unrefined foods and drink at least eight glasses of pure water every day.

3. Avoid drugs, whether recreational or prescribed, including alcohol and caffeine.

4. Quit smoking, smoking cuts blood supply to the discs between the vertebrae, so they degenerate faster.

5. Lose weight if you need to. Losing one pound takes 10 pounds of stress off your back.

6. Maintain good posture. Are you sitting up straight as you read this?

7. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, it twists your neck; avoid the fetal position, it reverses your spinal curves.

8. Invest in a good chair, pillow and mattress. When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it's worth it.

9. Stretch your spine before and after sports, this will also help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.

10. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting, whether in a car or at a desk, stretching regularly will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.

11. Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.

12. Don't overload your backpack or purse. Remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible).

13. Keep your wallet out of your back pocket when sitting, especially when driving.

14. Take a walk after dinner, it aids digestion, weight loss and is a nice time to spend with others.

15. Take time to relax, meditate, or pray, appreciate nature and play every day.

16. Finding fulfillment and creativity in your work improves your health.

17. Connect. The more relationships and love in your life, the healthier, happier and longer you will live.