Today is World Spine Day and a very good opportunity to note the importance of keeping the spine flexible and strong, and taking good care of it in the workplace, say the experts.

About 37% of all cases of back pain are related to certain occupational risks, according to the World Health Organisation, which, in the light of today’s being World Spine Day, is emphasising the importance of spinal health, especially in the workplace.

Dr Robert Delgado, a registered chiropractor and certified wellness practitioner who graduated cum laude with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Durban University of Technology in 2006, says effective movement of the spine charges the brain, and the brain controls the entire body. “To be truly well, spinal health must be a priority. When it comes to the spine, it is important to be proactive rather than wait for symptoms to arise.”

He explains that every spinal joint has receptors, called proprioceptors, that send signals through the nervous system to the brain. “The brain uses these signals to assess the body” While the brain controls and regulates the physiology and the state of our entire body it does so mainly through electrical impulses, but it can only produce between 10% and 20% of its electrical energy, says Dr Delgado. “The rest of its electricity is generated through movement, specifically the stimulation of proprioceptors that send electricity into the brain, where it can then be used to sustain life in us. “When our spines become stiff or misaligned, our brains become deficient in this vital stimulus, which negatively affects mental and physical performance.”

Following his graduation from DUT, Dr Delgado moved to the UK where he was exposed to global best practice and attended seminars in Europe and the US to further his experience. This exposure inspired him to further his education and he graduated as a certified chiropractic wellness lifestyle practitioner, allowing him to address advanced aspects of wellness, lifestyle intervention, and optimal health performance. He has been practising in South Africa since 2010.

He says physical, chemical and emotional stress causes areas of tension to develop in the spine. “These stressors can include falls, sports injuries, desk work, car accidents, poor diet, anxiety and other emotional stressors.” He provides the following tips for people to ensure that their spines are moving in a healthy way:

– Take part in spinal hygiene exercises daily that promote flexibility and strength. These should include range-of-motion exercises like rotating your head side-to-side and bending your ear towards your shoulder. Core strengthening exercises, like the “plank”, are also important, but before starting any exercise routine consult a health professional to make sure it is safe to do so.

– Reduce your physical chemical and emotional stress by following a healthy lifestyle.

– For every 30 minutes of desk work sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes and move around for 2 minutes.

– Increase the amount of movement in a day by parking further away, taking the stairs instead of the lift.

– It is a good idea for people to have their spinal alignment and movement checked by a chiropractor regularly. Areas of spinal tension can often occur without any apparent symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential.

If you happen to be in Cape Town later this month, Dr Delgado will present the Wellness Revolution talk at Dr Delgado Chiropractic in Sea Point from 6pm on October 27. Attendance is free so book a spot by telephoning 021 200 6295, or via info@delgadochiropractic.co.za.

– This edited story was published in The Mercury.

Pictured: World Spine Day logo.

Picture credit: Google Images