We all know that maintaining good posture is important, but did you know that poor posture can lead to a host of health problems? That's right—spinal health is vital for quality of life. In this blog post, the experts at our Salinas CA chiropractic clinic explore some of the ways you can improve your posture and why it's so important to do so.

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Working Out For Better Posture In Salinas

Posture can be improved through physical activity, such as working out. That's right—regular exercise helps to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, which in turn helps you to maintain better posture. When you're looking for exercises that will help with your posture, focus on those that work the core muscles in your abdomen and back. Pilates and yoga are both great options.

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Learning What Tech Neck Is

If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen—whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone—you may be at risk of developing a "tech neck." This condition is caused by poor posture while using technology devices and leads to things like headaches, jaw pain, and neck stiffness.

To help prevent tech neck, make sure you're taking breaks every 20 minutes or so to give your neck and shoulders a rest. Also, be mindful of your posture while using devices—sit up straight and hold the device at eye level instead of hunching over it. It definitely pays to have a home office set up to support this, with ergonomic furniture and a healthy layout, to name just a few.

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Getting Into Yoga for Spinal Health

Yoga is great for your spinal health, on top of other physical and mental benefits. That's because yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. There are tons of different yoga poses that help improve posture, so whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's sure to be a pose (or several!) that's perfect for you.

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Choosing a Firmer Mattress for Better Posture

Did you know that sleeping on a firmer mattress can help improve your posture? It's true! Soft mattresses allow your spine to sink into the mattress, which can lead to poor alignment and muscle strain. If you're in the market for a new mattress, keep firmness in mind—it could make all the difference when it comes to your posture.

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Having a Tall Height Affects Spinal Health

Being tall has its perks—you can reach things on high shelves and always have a great view at concerts! But did you know that being tall also puts extra stress on your spine? That's right—taller people are more likely to experience back problems later on in life. If you're tall, be sure to take extra care of your spine by maintaining good posture and exercising regularly. Check out online resources to learn more about maintaining optimum spine health.

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Paying a Chiropractor a Visit

If you're experiencing back pain or stiffness, it may be time to pay a visit to the chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal problems. Cater Chiropractic uses techniques like spinal manipulation and massage to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. If you think seeing a chiropractor may be right for you, see what Cater Chiropractic can do for you.

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Putting Your Medical Records in Order

Don't wait until you have an injury or flare-up to get your medical records in order—instead, take some time now (while you're feeling healthy!) to get everything organized. This way, if you do need to see a doctor or specialist down the road, they'll have all the information they need on hand. You should keep copies of everything in one central location (we recommend storing them electronically for easy access). This includes things like test results, scans/x-rays, immunization records, prescription records, allergy information, and more. If they are of varied file types, you can use a tool to convert a file easily, no matter what type, into a PDF. By taking some time now to get your records in order, you'll be better prepared if an unexpected health issue arises in the future.

As we age, our spinal health becomes increasingly important—yet many of us don't do enough to take care of our backs! By following the tips in this blog post, you can help improve your posture and prevent some common problems like tech neck and back pain. Remember that your posture matters, so start working on improving yours today!

Author: Jennifer Scott (SpiritFinder.org)