Your mobility means so much more than walking. Learn how your spine can help—and hurt—your independence.

Seemingly simple acts of body movement, such as putting on your shoes, suddenly become painfully complicated when your spine isn't working properly. Your spine is what allows your body to maintain stability as you move.  

A healthy, strong spine is essential to your mobility, just as neck and back issues can take away your independence. It's easy to take mobility for granted.

What Is Mobility?

Simply put, mobility is your ability to move when and how you want. It’s not just about how well you can participate in sports or exercise — it's how easily you perform simple daily tasks, like putting on your clothes, gardening or preparing meals.  For most of us mobility declines with age but, how much it declines is a choice that most of us can influence. Mobility requires strength, balance, stamina, and coordination—all things that we can maintain as we age through wellness plans that include stretching, exercise and other healthy habits.

Mobility’s Multi-Faceted Effects on Health

What might start off as a minor inconvenience can spiral. The decline of your mobility sets off a domino effect of issues that affect your physical, mental and emotional health that is often associated with increased risk of depression and reduced quality of life. Back or neck pain causes many patients to no longer be able to enjoy thier favorite activities or cut time with friends or family short because they’re in too much pain.  Fortunately, mobility loss can be prevented—and, in some cases, reversed.

Safe, Effective Treatment Options

When you have back or neck pain, movement may be that last thing you want to think about. However, stretching, exercise, chiropractic care, physical theray and massage are essential for good spine health.  These non-invasive drug-free approaches are among the best things you can do for your long-term spine health and preservation of your mobility. In fact, the American College of Physicians recently released an update to its low back pain treatment guideline that recommends first using non-drug treatments, such as spinal manipulation,  for acute and chronic low back pain. A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also supports the use of spinal manipulative therapy as a first-line treatment for acute low back pain.

Each of us will experience some mobility loss with age which is why it's so important to recognize that your body was made to move.  Live life to the fullest. Protect your mobility.  Call Dr. Dukes.  She'll listen to you, learn about your needs and goals. Then help you define a preventative wellness plan or find relief if you're already hurting.

Reach out to Dr. Dukes today! (813) 752-2524

Just like clockwork, the start of school harbors a rise in Mom's calling my office for help managing back and neck pain. I hear them say, ‘I’m just so busy I must have done too much again’.  

It’s easy for Mom's to let good habits fall by the wayside when you’re focusing on your kids health. Your health and wellness is important too!

Being mindful  is one of the easiest ways to stay feeling your best. Keep these tips in mind:

1.) Drink plenty of water and avoid processed foods. This can be a tall order for busy mom's but it's so important to your wellness.

2.) When lifting, use your whole body by bending hips, knees and ankles to lift with your legs. Keep little ones close to your body and avoid twisting.

3.) Proper posture is vital self-care. Keep your spine straight by keeping your shoulders high whether you are sitting your standing.

• Carry your baby face-out from the middle of your body with your shoulders back. It's often a more comfortable position for you and your baby.
• Avoid neck and upper back tension by pushing your stroller with relaxed, slightly bent elbows and the handle adjusted to belly button level.
• When using mobile devices: steady your device at eye level and keep your back & neck straight to decrease neck and back stress.

4.) Listen to your body. Yes, regular exercise is important but so is rest. It's okay to miss a workout occasionally. Sometimes replacing your HITT workout with yoga or a massage can be better choice.

Building healthy habits is the best way to stay healthy. Dr. Dukes can help you find what works best for you to feel your best and stick to it - for life.

Make health your top priority, call Dr. Dukes at (813) 752-2524 and schedule your wellness consultation today.