World Spine Day 2024!

October 16th, 2024 marks the 16th annual World Spine Day, coordinated by the World Federation of Chiropractic. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the global burden of spinal pain and disability, empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to adopt evidence-based strategies for maintaining spinal health.

It’s estimated that one billion people worldwide suffer from back pain, and up to 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. It’s the single largest cause of years lived with disability globally, making it a significant public health challenge.

In light of this, World Spine Day seeks to:

• Increase public awareness and education about spinal health
• Encourage active participation in spinal health activities
• Promote collaboration among healthcare professionals
• Advocate for programs that support spinal health

Ways to support your spine!

Stay Active!

• Current guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. This can be achieved with just 20-30 minutes of activity per day that raises your heart rate and gets your blood flowing.
• Additionally, weight-bearing exercises are recommended at least twice a week.

Reduce Sedentary Time!

• Sedentary time refers to periods where the body is inactive, such as sitting or lying down.
• Break up long periods of sitting with regular movement breaks, ideally every 30-45 minutes, by standing, stretching, or walking.

Sit Well!

• If sitting for extended periods is unavoidable, ensure you sit with good posture and proper workplace ergonomics. Regular breaks to change your position are essential.

Sleep Well!

• Fatigue and exhaustion can negatively impact your spine. Prioritize sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and aiming for 7-8 hours of rest each night.

Visit Your Local Chiropractor!

• Chiropractors are spine, muscle, and nervous system experts trained extensively in managing many conditions. Although chiropractors can treat many areas of the body, spinal care is our bread and butter. Seeking care and treatment can significantly impact spinal health and overall well-being!

Resources

1. https://www.worldspineday.org/resources/wsd-toolkit-and-materials/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586768/#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20up,some%20point%20during%20their%20lifetimes.&text=At%20any%20given%20point%20in,and%2014%25%20have%20neck%20pain.

#WorldSpineDay #SupportYourSpine