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Gatehouse Health - Battle Wellness Centre

by Saskia Wickenden |

World Spine Day is on 16th October, and it’s the perfect reminder to take care of one of the most important parts of your body – your spine!

Your spine supports your entire body, protects your nervous system, and allows you to move freely every day. Yet, for many of us, long hours at a desk, poor posture, and lack of movement can take a serious toll.

In celebration of World Spine Day, we’re offering a FREE Spinal Screen to assess your posture, mobility, and overall spinal wellbeing.

📞 Call 01424 481 869 or book online to reserve your appointment.

 

🧠 Why Spine Health Matters

Your spine is central to your body’s function and wellbeing. Poor posture and spinal stiffness can lead to:

  • Persistent back, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Reduced mobility and flexibility
  • Headaches and fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs

By taking small, consistent steps to look after your spine, you can make a big difference to your comfort, productivity, and overall health. Here are 10 simple, practical ways to keep your spine happy and healthy every day:

 

  1. Move regularly

Avoid sitting for long periods. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk every 30–45 minutes.

 

  1. Check your posture

Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned whether you’re sitting or standing.

 

  1. Set up your workspace

Adjust your chair, screen, and keyboard to support a neutral spine and relaxed shoulders. Modern work habits often mean long hours at a desk, but that doesn’t have to mean back pain. Try these simple adjustments:

  • Screen height: Keep the top of your monitor at eye level to avoid looking down.
  • Chair position: Sit so your hips are slightly above your knees, with both feet flat on the floor.
  • Keyboard & mouse: Keep them close enough that your elbows stay relaxed by your sides.
  • Movement breaks: Stand up and stretch every 30–45 minutes — even short breaks make a big difference!

 

  1. Strengthen your core

Gentle exercises that target your abdominal and back muscles help support your spine.

 

  1. Stretch daily

Start your day with a few gentle stretches to wake up your spine and muscles:

  • Cat-Cow stretch: Mobilises the whole spine and reduces stiffness.
  • Torso twists: Loosens your mid-back and improves rotation.
  • Hip flexor stretch: Opens up the front of the hips after sleeping curled up.
  • Shoulder rolls: Releases tension built up from sleeping positions or stress.

 

  1. Stay hydrated

The discs between your vertebrae rely on good hydration to stay healthy and cushioned.

 

  1. Sleep smart

Choose a supportive mattress and pillow that keep your spine in a neutral position.

 

  1. Lift safely

Bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep objects close to your body. Remember to engage your tummy muscles before lifting to help protect your back.

 

  1. Listen to your body

Don’t ignore aches or stiffness; they’re early signs your spine needs attention.

 

  1. Get checked

Regular spinal screens or chiropractic check-ups can catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

 

 

🧩 Myth vs Fact: Back Pain Edition

 

Myth: “If my back hurts, I should rest and avoid movement.”
Fact: Gentle movement is one of the best things you can do for your spine. Prolonged rest can actually make stiffness and pain worse. Keeping your body moving helps maintain flexibility, circulation, and recovery.

 

Myth: “Good posture means sitting up straight all day.”
Fact: There’s no one ‘perfect’ posture. The best posture is your next posture. Our bodies are designed to move and adapt. Staying in any one position too long (even a “good” one) can cause tension and discomfort.

 

Myth: “Poor posture is just bad habit and it doesn’t really affect my health.”
Fact: Your body adapts to the positions you spend most time in. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, and altered movement patterns. Being mindful of your posture throughout the day helps prevent strain and supports long-term spinal health.

 

Myth: “Back pain always means something serious.”
Fact: Most back pain is mechanical in nature and responds well to movement, stretching, and manual therapy such as chiropractic care and massage. Persistent or severe pain should be checked, but most cases are manageable with the right approach.

 

 

🎉 Celebrate World Spine Day with Us!

Your spine deserves some love and there’s no better time than World Spine Day on 16th October to start taking better care of it.

We’re celebrating by offering a FREE Spinal Screen to help you understand your posture, mobility, and spinal health.

➡️ Book online or call 01424 481 869 to secure your spot today.

 

Take the first step toward a stronger, healthier spine. Your future self will thank you!

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