What I’ll NEVER Do to My Spine—And Why You Shouldn’t Either
As a chiropractor, I’ve spent years helping people regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall well-being. But when it comes to my own spine and nervous system, there are a few things I absolutely refuse to do. These are the same mistakes I see patients make every day, mistakes that can lead to long-term damage, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life.
If you want to keep your spine healthy and functioning at its best, here are three things you should avoid at all costs.
Believing That Stretches and Exercises Are Enough
Don’t get me wrong! Stretches and exercises are important. They help with flexibility, mobility, and strength. But they aren’t a cure-all for spinal health.
Your spine is more than just muscles and joints, it’s the foundation of your nervous system. If there’s an underlying misalignment, no amount of stretching or exercise will correct it. You need specific adjustments to ensure your spine stays in proper alignment and functions the way it should.
Movement is medicine, but alignment is key. That’s why I don’t rely solely on exercises to keep my spine healthy, and neither should you.
Sitting All Day
If you work a desk job or spend hours sitting every day, you need to hear this: sitting is one of the worst things you can do for your spine. In fact, research has even compared prolonged sitting to smoking in terms of the health risks it poses.
When you sit for extended periods, especially with poor posture, your spine compresses, blood flow decreases, and your muscles weaken. Over time, this leads to stiffness, pain, and even structural changes in your spine.
I refuse to let my spine suffer from hours of inactivity, and you shouldn’t either. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
✔️ Take frequent breaks—stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30-60 minutes
✔️ Use a standing desk or alternate between sitting and standing
✔️ Focus on proper posture—keep your feet flat, shoulders relaxed, and spine neutral
Your spine was designed for movement. The more you move, the healthier you’ll feel.
Masking Pain with Pills, Potions & Lotions
Pain is a signal from your body. It’s not something to be ignored, masked, or temporarily numbed. But too often, people reach for painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or topical creams, hoping they’ll “fix” the issue.
The truth? These remedies don’t fix anything. They simply cover up symptoms, often leading people to ignore the real cause of their pain until it worsens.
I’ll never rely on quick fixes when it comes to my health, and I encourage my patients to do the same. Instead of masking pain, focus on finding the root cause. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and function, allowing the body to heal naturally without the need for endless painkillers or temporary solutions.
Your Spine Deserves Better
Your spine is the foundation of your health. The choices you make every day, how you move, how you sit, and how you handle pain determine how well it functions for years to come.
So, take it from a chiropractor who has seen the long-term consequences of these mistakes! Your spine supports you every single day. It’s time to return the favor!
