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Preventative Measures to Improve Spinal Health

Tips to avoid unnecessary doctor visits

Irving, TX / myprgenie.com / ACCESSWIRE / July 10, 2014 / Back pain is the second most common reason why patients see their primary care physician, next to the common cold, according to Dr. Douglas Won, founder and director of SpineCARE(tm) and chief medical officer of Star Medical Center. While some back pain is the result of genetics or accidents, it often can be prevented through a few simple lifestyle changes.

Dr. Won says becoming aware of and practicing proper body mechanics is the first step toward improving spinal health. 

"Many things can negatively affect the back, like twisting while lifting groceries out of the car or moving a heavy object. Body mechanics like this seem so small, yet they can make a huge difference," notes Dr. Won.

Stretching before exercise or strenuous activity, avoiding lifting heavy objects and practicing proper posture are all ways to improve spinal health and prevent pain or injury. Consider how workspaces are positioned, as this can often impact posture and have a negative impact on spinal health. 

"Good posture is essential to preventing back pain," adds Dr. Christopher Chun, an interventional pain specialist with SpineCARE. "Ergonomic chairs can help prevent bad posture when sitting at a desk. Make sure you have a strong core and sit in a natural position."

In addition, shoe fit can dramatically impact the overall health of the spine. A study by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society found that 88 percent of women wear the wrong size shoes, which can lead to foot and back pain. 

"Flats and heels are the worst shoes for back pain," says Dr. Nere Onosode, a foot and ankle specialist with OrthoCARE(tm). "The issue with heels is that the center of gravity is misaligned, causing the body weight to be pushed forward and the forefoot to bear most of the weight. This causes the ankle to be misaligned, which in turn causes the knees, hips and eventually back to be misaligned in what we call a super structural effect."

Dr. Onosode suggests that patients begin by identifying their correct foot type. There are three foot types: low arch, neutral arch and high arch. Knowing the correct foot type will help in selecting the appropriate shoes and support. Low arches require shoes that provide stability and motion control. A neutral arch needs less motion control but more shock absorption, while a high arch needs no stability but additional shock absorption and cushion. 

An affiliate of Lumin Health in Irving, Texas, SpineCARE(tm) is a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive spine center dedicated to providing the most effective answers to back and neck problems. SpineCARE has 10 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The practice is associated with Star Medical Center, a new surgical hospital in Plano, Texas, and OrthoCARE(tm), which focuses on orthopedics, foot and ankle care, and sports medicine. For more information, call 1-888-600-6474 or visit www.spinecaredfw.com, www.starmedcenter.com or www.orthocaredfw.com.


Contact: Krista Simmons, krista@trizcom.com, 817-492-914