October is National Chiropractic Health Month. The American Chiropractic Association is celebrating by going “#backtobasics.” That’s a great idea!

The first topic of our month long review is the biggest most prevalent complaint from patients who seek chiropractors: back pain. About 80 percent of people will experience some type of back pain in their lifetime. That’s huge. Your back plays such a big role in everything you do. From work to plain strains from carrying groceries, it is so important to make sure you see your chiropractor for regular adjustments to maintain a healthy back.

The ACA has provided a preventative recommendation list to prevent injuries:

Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic. Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest. Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening. Maintain proper posture. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine. Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting. Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues. Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.

If your back is already sore, here are some stretches that you can try until the next visit to your chiropractor.

Next week we’ll review neck pain!