5 Benefits of Walking that Every Chiropractic Patient Should Know
1.) Help with Weight Management and Weight Loss Excess weight is a major contributor to lower back pain. It places undue stress and pressure on the joints in the lumbar spine. Over time, this stress and pressure causes damage to the joints. Damaged joints become arthritic joints -- also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.
Walking is an excellent low impact exercises that helps you to lose weight and also helps to keep joints and soft tissues healthy.
2.) Better Mobility and Flexibility
Age and flexibility seem to be inversely proportional to each other -- as our age increases, our flexibility decreases. Walking helps to increase our mobility and our flexibility.
3.) Relief of Back PainWhat is the number one cause of disability worldwide? Answer: back pain. It is estimated that Americans alone spend upwards of $50 billion a year on back pain remedies.
Walking is recommended by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) to help ease back pain. Walking not only helps to ease back pain, it helps to prevent it too. Even walking for just 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week is beneficial.
4.) Spinal Disk Rehydration
Between each of your vertebra is a small, fluid filled disc that acts as a cushion. These discs have a tendency to dehydrate with age, which can lead to back pain and mobility issues. Fortunately, walking walking helps to keep them hydrated by forcing water into them. This helps them to keep up their work as shock absorbers.
5.) Improved CirculationGood circulation is integral to spinal health as well as a properly functioning central nervous system. Walking increases your circulation allowing your blood to carry vital nutrients to your spine, organs, and your entire body.
Walking is beneficial for whole body wellness. It can help you reduce your risk of many serious health conditions including diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. So commit to walking just 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days a week. You will be astounded at the difference it will make.
We hope you're having a great summer! Enjoy your time with friends and family.
Dr. Shawn A. Rudkin