End National Chiropractic Health Month with an act of activism

As October’s National Chiropractic Health Month comes to an end, doctors of chiropractic and their staff are encouraged to this week give one last effort via social media, e-news and their communication outlets to raise the profile of chiropractic.

Back pain remains one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide, and various chiropractic organizations are sharing back-injury prevention and strengthening tips in addition to information on the value of a conservative approach to back pain treatment.

As the overuse and abuse of prescription opioid painkillers in the United States remains a top public health problem, it’s essential for health care consumers and providers to understand that spinal manipulation and other conservative approaches can treat musculoskeletal conditions such as low-back pain effectively and safely.

The American Chiropractic Association has also launched a campaign to enact federal legislation that would allow DCs to perform to the fullest scope of their license in Medicare, which currently serves more than 55 million seniors. To support the National Medicare Equality Petition go to acatoday.org/equality to ensure the aging population receives full access to chiropractic care.

Encourage patients to:

1. Move more. Bones, muscles and joints need movement to stay healthy. The U.S. surgeon general recommends adults get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate physical activity (such as walking, yardwork, recreational swimming) or at least 75 minutes of intense weekly activity (jogging, hiking uphill, basketball).
2. Eat a balanced diet. Proper nutrition is just as important to musculoskeletal health as it is to overall health. Eat a balanced diet that includes whole fresh foods and try to avoid processed foods. Be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D for your bones and lean protein to build and maintain strong muscles.
3. Go outside. The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which in turn helps us to absorb calcium and strengthen bones.
4. Do weight-bearing exercises. Walking, jogging and resistance exercises such as weightlifting can improve bone density. Planks and squats can also strengthen core muscles. (Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming and biking can benefit the MSK system as well, especially for people unable to walk or jog while recovering from back, hip or knee pain.)
5. Stay hydrated. Drinking water makes muscles stronger by carrying oxygen to the cells of the body. It also helps lubricate and cushion joints.
6. Quit smoking. Smoking contributes not only to cardiovascular disease but also osteoporosis and bone fracture as we age.
7. Get adequate rest. A good night’s sleep enables your body to repair muscles and joints that are strained or injured during the day.
8. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Drinking alcohol excessively can lead to osteoporosis and bone fracture.

For additional opportunities for activism this month by doctors of chiropractic please click below:

ACA National Chiropractic Health Month Tool Kit