chiropractor wilmington nc

20 Surprising Facts About the Spine

The spine rarely gets much thought or consideration, but it is one of the most important features in the human body. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move, let alone stand upright. It’s so important that it even has its own day – World Spine Day. If that surprises you, then here are 20 more spine facts from Southeastern Healthcare’s chiropractor Wilmington NC.

  1. There are about 22 ligaments in the spine
  2. The spinal cord has more than 13.5 million neurons
  3. The average spinal cord weighs about 35 grams
  4. The spine is so flexible that when bent it can form 2/3 of a circle
  5. The spinal column has more than 100 joints
  6. Humans and giraffes share the same number of cervical vertebrae (seven)
  7. The first cervical vertebrae is called “atlas” after the character in Greek mythology because it “carries the weight of the head”
  8. There are more than 120 muscles in the spinal column
  9. One-fourth of the spine’s length is made up of cartilage
  10. More than 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some time in their lifetimes with most injuries resulting from auto accidents
  11. After the age of 40, humans “shrink” at a rate of a quarter- to a third-of-an-inch per decade as a result of gravity’s effect on the spine
  12. Astronauts return to earth approximately 3% taller than when they left because of microgravity’s expanding effect on the spine’s cartilage
  13. Spines have 33 individual vertebrae, but some fuse over time to become the coccyx and the sacrum
  14. The spine has four primary motions – forward, backward, side bending, and rotating
  15. Sitting in a hunched position puts 200-lbs of pressure on the lumbar spine
  16. October 16th is the official World Spine Day
  17. Lying flat on your back with legs elevated puts 25-lbs of pressure on the lumbar spine
  18. The spine is capable of withstanding several hundred pounds of pressure
  19. The spine has a memory. This is why it is so important to make sure it is always properly aligned
  20. People with back pain who don’t undergo chiropractic treatment or rehabilitation are 22 times more likely to experience a relapse

Get Relief from Back Pain – Visit a Southeastern Healthcare Chiropractor Wilmington NC Today

There are dozens of causes of back pain, but a great many of which can be improved simply by being treated by an experienced chiropractor Wilmington NC. Isn’t it time you stopped living in constant pain? Get the relief you’re looking for, safely and holistically, at Southeastern Healthcare.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

chiropractor back pain

Best Stretches for Back Pain

If you live everyday with chronic back pain, then you should schedule a consultation visit with a chiropractor back pain so you can be treated by someone skilled in this area. But, if you have pain but are still able to perform your daily routine, then there are some stretches you can do to help soothe the pain naturally by easing the muscle tension and strain in the problematic area.

Here are seven of the best stretches you can do for back pain. Practice them daily and you’ll notice your mobility will improve and your pain will decrease.

The Child’s Pose

The Child’s Pose is an easy stretch that involves hardly any moving. To do this stretch, you will start by positioning yourself on the floor (preferably on a yoga mat) on your hands and knees with your knees just wider than hip distance apart. Next, turn your toes inward until they touch and push your hips backwards bending your knees.

Once you obtain a comfortable “seated” position, extend your arms forward and let your head to naturally fall forward into a relaxed position. Slowly repeat the stretch 4 or 5 times.

Modified Cobra

The Modified Cobra is a popular stretch in yoga. To do this stretch, you will lie face down on your yoga mat with your body fully extended. Bend your elbows and put your hands flat on the ground where they are even with your chest. Next, you will press your hands down on the floor and raise your head and upper body while keeping your pelvis flat on the floor. Keep your arms fully extended and hold this position for approximately 10 seconds, then relax. Slowly repeat the stretch 4 or 5 times.

 Lumbar Rotation

This is an excellent stretch to help limber up the lumbar. To do it, you lay flat on back with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle and both knees together. Next, you will slowly rotate both knees in the same direction towards to ground while keeping your back or feet on the ground. When you start feeling tension in your lumber, stop and hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position and repeat the stretch to the opposite side of your body. Continue alternating 4 or 5 times.

Supine Hip Flexor

To do this stretch, you will have to lay flat on your back on a bed or other elevated structure, like a weight lifting bench. Hang one leg off the structure without flexing it. Bend the other leg, grab the knee, and gently pull it up toward your chest. Hold the leg for 10 to 20 seconds and then release. Repeat the stretch with the opposite leg and continue alternating legs 4 or 5 times.

Knee to Chest

This stretch is exactly the same as the Supine Hip Flexor stretch with the exception that it is performed while lying flat on your back with your legs out straight, pulling one up at a time just as in the instructions above.

Glute Stretch

To stretch your glutes, you will start by lying on your back with both feet flat on the floor and both knees bent. Pull your right leg leg up and rest its ankle over the knee of your left leg. Then, pull your left thigh toward your chest and hold the position for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat the stretch on the other leg and then alternate legs 4 or 5 times.

Hamstring Stretch

Stretching your hamstring might not seem like it has any benefit to your back, but it really does help loosen up the lumbar. To do this stretch, lay flat on your back and interlock the fingers of both hands under the hamstring of one leg. Keep the leg as straight as possible and slowly lift it (without bending at the knee) until tension is felt. When doing this stretch properly, you should feel tension, but never discomfort or pain. Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg, alternating legs for 4 or 5 times.

Is Your Back Pain Debilitating? Call Southeastern’s Chiropractor  Back Pain

If your back pain is chronic or debilitating, then you might have a problem that stretching won’t solve. In such cases, seeing a chiropractor  back pain is recommended. Your spine may need aligning or there may be another pain-causing issue your chiropractor will be able to help you with.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and caring chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.