Surprising Everyday Habits That Affect Your Health
We wake up, roll out of bed, and pay almost no attention to little things we do every day. But it’s our small habits that add up over time, and some of these habits can be very stressful for your body!
The good news is that becoming aware of these habits can help us make small changes that will prolong our health. We can even add in some good habits while we’re at it.
Here are a few small changes you can make that will reduce your chances of developing long-term back pain and other joint issues:
DON’T wear heels over 2 inches, or for extended periods of time. This can cause strain and stress at the hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
DO wear comfortable shoes. Correct arch support, cushioning, and room to move not only make your feet happy, but do wonders for your knees, hips, and back.
DON’T sit on your wallet. Keeping your wallet in your back pocket causes you to sit with your hips at a tilt, and your back to curve unnaturally sideways for extended periods of time.
DO carry your wallet in a front pocket or in a secure bag or purse. Not only is it better for your hips, but it is more safe and secure in front of you than behind you!
DON’T hold your phone by pinching it between your neck and shoulder. Not only is it awkward and uncomfortable, but it causes excess strain on neck muscles and joints – and you may drop your phone!
DO use speaker phone when possible. If your hands are full, and privacy is not a concern, using speaker phone gives your body full freedom of movement.
DON’T always carry bags on the same shoulder. This puts sideways strain on the back and can cause uneven muscle development.
DO alternate shoulders when carrying bags, or if you are carrying multiple bags, distribute the weight evenly onto both shoulders. If you carry a backpack with two straps, use them both!
DON’T crawl or climb into your vehicle sideways. This puts lateral strain and twists your back, hips, and knees.
DO rotate your entire body together rather than twisting when possible. When getting in your vehicle, sit down in the seat, and then swing your legs in, holding your torso with your spine in alignment. If you toss and turn at night, try to keep your spine in alignment when you roll from one side to the other. When getting up from a desk chair, rotate the chair in the direction you want to go, and then stand straight up.
DON’T cross your legs or sit on your feet while seated in a chair. This causes your hips to be at an unnatural angle and your back to curve sideways.
DO practice good posture, sitting and standing straight, with both feet placed evenly on the floor. You may even find it improves your core strength!
DON’T lean. You might be surprised at how often you lean against a wall, countertop, etc. which puts uneven pressure on your joints and spine.
DO gently stretch your torso regularly. A simple sideways bend every morning and evening will do wonders. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, and keeping your hips still, bend to one side as far as possible. Hold for 15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
These everyday habits may go unnoticed and seem like they are not problematic – until they are. Don’t let yourself be surprised by muscle spasms or pinched nerves. Try implementing just one of these small changes in your habits, and see what a difference it makes.
And always, always listen to your body. Any sensations of pain, numbness, tingling, or tightness should cause you to immediately stop that activity, and call our office to schedule an appointment for treatment.
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Dr. Mark Sell is a licensed, experienced chiropractor serving the Huntington, Indiana area since 1986. His practice continually strives to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, offering affordable high-quality chiropractic care that includes treatment protocols tailored to meet your individual needs.