Low back pain sufferers and hydration
Low back pain sufferers have one of the most common types of pain in American adults. It’s no coincidence that one of the most common health tips is to drink plenty of water. The human body is comprised of as much as 60% water. When we are not properly hydrated; the effects of dehydration can include dizziness, headaches, and fainting. However, most people are unaware that back pain can be caused by dehydration.
Low back pain sufferers and dehydration in Charlotte
What links dehydration and back pain? Two words… spinal discs. Your spinal discs are a vitally important component of your spine. They are small, jelly-like discs located in the joint of the bones in your spine. The spinal discs are nearly 75% water. As part of a natural process throughout the day, water is slowly released from the spinal discs. Many people are unaware that by the end of the day, some people are up to a half an inch shorter than when they woke up in the morning. (Your spinal discs rehydrate and recover while you sleep, so you will return to your full height in the morning). Your body works hard to keep your spinal discs hydrated during the day, but that is extremely difficult when the body is in an upright position. To help your discs stay hydrated, you will need to be sure to drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day.
When the discs of your spine aren’t properly hydrated, they cannot support and protect your spine as they were designed to do. The spinal discs are located between every few vertebrae, and their role is to protect your spine from wear and tear. They are in place to absorb the shock of everyday movements. If they are dehydrated, they are unable to properly function. This will result in more stress being placed on the spine; causing swelling, pain, and eventually bulging discs.
Below are 10 signs to that indicate you are dehydrated:
- Bad Breath
- Dry Skin
- Dark Urine
- Fatigue
- Muscle Cramps
- Blurry Vision/Dry Eyes
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Fever
- Dizziness
This is one of many reasons that it is incredibly important to stay hydrated. Make a daily goal to consume 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce of water per pound that you weigh. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should consume no less than 90 ounces of water per day. Your health, and the health of your spine, depends on proper hydration.
Tips for proper hydration
- When you have been sweating or suffered loss of fluids; consume electrolytes in addition to water
- Download an app or set your calendar on your phone to track the amount of water you drink
- Don’t care for the taste of water? Add flavoring like fresh mint, lemon juice, or pre-packaged flavoring
- Add fresh raw fruits and vegetables to your diet
- Monitor the color of your urine
- Purchase a reusable water bottle that tracks the ounces you drink
- Set a timer to ensure you continuously drink throughout the day
Chiropractic care you can count on
If you are one of the low back pain sufferers and you are looking for a natural, non-invasive of treatment, chiropractic clinics also offer supplemental therapies such as the application of heat or cold, electrical stimulation, diet, counseling, or rehabilitative exercise. ChiroCarolina®, one of Charlotte’s top chiropractic centers, known all over the South east for providing top chiropractic care for the uptown, NoDa, and University area- located conveniently off North Tryon Street.
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