Why Your Spinal Cord is so important and Ways You Can Take Care of it

While you may not have direct contact with your spine like you have with other parts of your body, it serves some very important functions for the body. It is like an anchor that supports various parts of the body. Let us take a look at its importance in greater detail and then discuss some ways in which you can better take care of it:

Movement

One of the most crucial functions of the spinal cord is that it allows you to bend and twist. In case of injury to the spinal cord, your movement is severely hampered. Simple tasks such as walking, sitting up straight, and turning your neck, may become quite difficult if the spinal cord is left untreated.

Sensation

One of the many purposes of your spinal cord is to take electrical impulses up and down through spine to areas of the body. Damage to this important organ may lead to disruptions in the transference of these signals and may cause loss of sensation in certain areas of the body.

Eating

This may sound strange but proper functioning of spinal cord helps in effective swallowing of foods and drinks. Since your esophagus is parallel to the spine, an injury to the spine can lead to its obstruction and puncturing. If this happens, surgery would be required to fix it.

Health

Abnormal movement and bad posture may put pressure on your spine which, over time, can cause certain degenerative diseases. This can affect the quality of life.
 Here are some ways in which you can maintain effective functioning of the spinal cord:

Stand Upright

Your body posture is very important when it comes to taking care of your spine. When you stand, make sure that your feet are slightly parted. Keep your tailbone tucked in and slightly slant your pelvic bone towards the front. Also, lift your chest up and level your chin with the jaw. Learning this may take some practice.

Sit Straight

A huge amount of time in workplace is spent sitting in front of a computer screen. This takes a toll on your body. To take care of your spine, make sure you sit straight in your chair with your buttocks against the backrest. Your legs and the ground must form a 90-degree angle.

Sleep Alignment

Sleeping in an awkward position may cause spinal cord problems. The alignment of your body while sleeping is important for taking care of your spine. Make sure you have a firm mattress and do not use oversized pillows. Also, do not lie on you on your stomach for too long as it can cause your back to arch.
Dr. Shawn Martin, the clinical director at Louisville Chiropractic, has got immense experience in dealing with issues related to spine. Being a member of the prestigious Academy of Chiropractic, Dr. Martin is an expert authority in the field of chiropractic care. Get in touch and book an appointment here.