Tatler speaks to the country’s top chiropractors about the importance of spinal health in functional wellbeing
“Joseph Pilates once said, ‘you’re only as old as your spine,’” declares chiropractic specialist and director of clinics and CEO of Intercare Chiropractic Center, Dr Martin Camara. “This explains how spinal health is keyed into functional ageing. Aside from keeping us upright, movable and functional—the spine protects the delicate structures of your central nervous system that communicate sensory, motor and autonomic messages from your brain to your body and vice versa.”
While most people commonly seek chiropractic care for bodily aches and pains, good spinal alignment allows for better motor function and helps your organs function more efficiently as the nervous system can operate smoothly through unhindered pathways. “This finely tuned communication can affect the way your brain perceives its internal and external environment and the maps it forms because of it,” Camara further explains. “Any spinal dysfunction—segments of your column that aren’t moving properly—can affect this ability.”
Read also: The Benefits of Pilates Explained by Filipino Master Trainer Ole Eugenio
Drs Miguel and Gabriel Flores, the brothers behind N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic, also emphasise the importance of spinal health and alignment. “The alternating curves from the top to the bottom of the spine create biomechanical balance and participate in creating spinal flexibility. As a result, the spine can distribute biomechanical loads effectively and efficiently, resulting in ease of motion and strength throughout the course of one’s daily activities,” they both say.
Unfortunately, poor musculoskeletal habits along with physical and mental stress, bad nutrition and injury can impact one’s posture and flatten the spine's natural curves. “Spinal alignment supports the functioning of all these associated components,” continues Miguel. “When your spine is in line, then all your body’s mechanical abilities, such as bending forward and backward, twisting and turning, and walking and running, are able to be performed at the maximal levels. In addition to this, being in alignment helps prevent injury and premature wear and tear of the joints of our body.”
Read also: 7 Family-Friendly Exercises to Try Amid Quarantine