PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Helpful Tips on How to Prevent Joint and Back Pain By Gerardo Zavala II, MD, FAANS
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f you've been searching for helpful tips on how to prevent or reduce joint and back pain, you have come to the right place. We will be discussing some of the best tips to maintain health within the joints, neck, back and spine. While this list is a great starting point, always consult your primary care physician for further analysis of your unique condition to establish a good starting point on your journey towards health and wellness. Starting with the basics The foundational aspects of health and wellness consist of many factors. Below is a breakdown of some of the first steps you can take to promote a healthier body. Maintain movement Maintaining movement is key to ensuring our joints, neck, back and spine remain healthy and mobile. Without consistent, steady movement throughout periods of the day, we will possibly begin to develop muscle atrophy. Through atrophy of the muscles, we will lose out on valuable core strength which helps support our neck, back and spine. Additionally, having leg strength developed through natural movement to support our body weight as we walk, run and exercise is crucial to maintaining safety while participating in various activities. Build strength and stamina Building strength and stamina across our entire body is ideal, yet it’s still beneficial to start slowly with your strength and stamina routine, then go from there. Without the proper amount of strength and stamina, one may be prone to injuring themselves while participating in everything from basic activities to intense sporting activities. Having the right amount of strength and stamina may help prevent injuries from occurring through core strength, balanced stability, quicker reaction times and muscle memory. Address ongoing problem areas through physical therapy Physical therapy is an amazing tool to help sort out problem areas within the body’s muscles, neck, back, spine and joints. One of the steps to take if you know you are suffering from 12
SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • June 2022
