Categories: Chiropractic

Why Water Is So Important to Obtaining a Healthy Spine

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There is no denying that water is an integral part of good health. Dehydration can cause problems with skin, digestion, and organ function. It can cause leg and foot cramps and impair cognitive processes. Staying well hydrated is vital to overall wellness. Because water is part of every cell in the body, and when we don�t drink enough water, the body suffers.

Good spinal health begins with proper hydration. The spine is constructed in such a way that dehydration can cause limited mobility, decreased flexibility, and pain. It can make the backbone to age faster than it should which impacts the entire body. As the natural functions begin to break down the body suffers, and it isn�t long and depression and anxiety often set in. The spine depends heavily on hydration.

Overview of the Spine

The spine of made up of vertebrae, a row of bones that sit on top of each other, connected by small joints. A disc sits between each vertebra, cushioning it and acting as a shock absorber. It allows the spine to flex, bend, and move about without the bones rubbing together.

Each disc has a fluid center (nucleus pulposis) that is surrounded by a flexible, sturdy ring. The ring contains a gel-like substance while the center of the disc is comprised of water. The outer ring protects the center, and the center protects the vertebrae, acting as a cushion for the bones.

If the fluid center does not have adequate water, it cannot do its job, and the spine begins to experience problems. Aging makes it more difficult for the discs to rehydrate and a sedentary lifestyle also complicates the process. It just cannot work without proper hydration. A healthy spine starts with adequate hydration.

 

 

The Benefits of Water for the Spine

From the time you get up in the morning, you are putting pressure on your spine and subsequently, the discs that lie between each vertebra. As you move the discs are compressed by the spine, and the water that is inside is squeezed out.

Even upright activities like standing, sitting, or walking can cause pressure on the discs as gravity causes compression in the spine. When the discs do not have enough water, it results in limited mobility, pain, and an increased risk of back injury.

If you don�t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated and is unable to replenish the water that the discs so desperately need. You may not even notice the typical signs of dehydration such as a headache and lethargy, but also lower levels of dehydration can cause severe problems in the body, especially if it is prolonged. Soda and similar beverages do not provide adequate water to the body.

How to Properly Hydrate the Body

Water is the best way to hydrate the body, but it isn�t the only way. Foods like watermelon, lettuce, spinach, and soups are excellent sources of hydration. H2O, of course, is the best way, but herbal teas are also good.

Drinks with caffeine are not as effective since the caffeine can have a diuretic effect. Traditionally, people have been told to drink eight glasses of water a day, and that is good advice. However, studies indicate that proper hydration can occur with an intake of just 30 to 50 ounces of water a day.

If you have constant or frequent back pain, the answer could be as close as your kitchen faucet. Dehydration could be the source of your back pain and immobility.

Water also affects the way the cerebrospinal fluid works and moves in the body. When the body is dehydrated, it doesn�t move as it should, and brain function, reflexes, and cognitive processing could be impacted. Don�t chance it. If your problems are caused by something as simple as not drinking enough water, that is something you can change today. Drink up! Your body will thank you.

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Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Why Water Is So Important to Obtaining a Healthy Spine" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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Welcome-Bienvenido's to our blog. We focus on treating severe spinal disabilities and injuries. We also treat Sciatica, Neck and Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal mobility, health, fitness, and structural conditioning. We use Individualized Diet Plans, Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Adapted Cross-Fit Protocols, and the "PUSH System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. If you would like to learn more about a Doctor of Chiropractic who uses advanced progressive techniques to facilitate complete physical health, please connect with me. We focus on simplicity to help restore mobility and recovery. I'd love to see you. Connect!

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