Straighten up
Friday is World Spine Day as part of the seventh annual Straighten Up Ireland Week, organised by the Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI). The theme of ‘Healthy Spine, Healthy Brain’ aims to highlight the importance of a strong, flexible and balanced spine to keep brains healthy and enhance overall body function and quality of life.
A recent survey by the CAI looking at spinal health revealed that over half of those surveyed (57 per cent) are aware that spinal function affects brain function.CAI President, Dr Tammy Verlaan-Ross, chiropractor, commented: “Research shows that the function of your spine influences the way your brain communicates with your body. If your spine is not functioning properly, it makes it harder for your brain to accurately perceive what is going on in your body, which in turn impacts on how your brain controls your movements and even your ability to deal with daily activities. It can also present as fatigue, clumsiness and lead to accidents or the development of painful conditions.”
When asked about their experience of these symptoms, eight out of ten respondents (77 per cent) admitted that they sometimes find it hard to concentrate on daily tasks, with one in two (51 per cent) finding it difficult to manage the pressure of day-to-day activities. One fifth (23 per cent) suffer daily fatigue, while a further 70 per cent say they feel lethargic at times. 46 per cent experience clumsiness on occasion and find themselves tripping, falling or bumping into things.
Despite 86 per cent of those surveyed claiming they are aware that good posture can increase energy levels and improve overall health, only one in three (29 per cent) describe their posture as ‘good’, 58 per cent as ‘average’, while 13 per cent admit it is ‘poor’. When asked about levels of physical activity which contributes towards spinal health, the results were positive with 15 per cent saying they exercise at least five times a week, two fifths (40 per cent) three to four times a week and 45 per cent twice or less per week.
With 97 per cent saying they have experienced pain in their back, neck or shoulders, and two fifths in pain regularly, the Straighten Up Ireland campaign is focused on educating the public on the impact of spinal and postural disorders on health, wellbeing and quality of life. It also aims to empower people with the knowledge and tools to help them improve and maintain their spinal and general health.
As part of the campaign, the CAI is encouraging adults and children to commit to a three minute daily exercise programme, specifically designed to maintain a healthy spine. The Straighten Up Ireland exercises can be undertaken by people of all ages with a special program tailored for children. Detailed instruction leaflets can be downloaded at www.chiropractic.ie. Almost everyone surveyed (97 per cent) said they had three minutes a day to spend on their spinal health and 75 per cent of those said they would incorporate the SUI exercise programme into their daily routine.
Dr Verlaan-Ross continued: 'The spine is a vitally important part of our body. It provides structure, support, facilitates movement and has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. The Straighten Up Ireland exercises are like brushing your teeth for spinal health. Doing the three minute set of simple exercises every day will help improve posture, stabilise core muscle groups, enhance health and prevent spinal disability.'
Participating CAI Chiropractors throughout Ireland will be offering a Spine and Nervous System Check for the Straighten Up Ireland/World Spine Day campaign. Vouchers are available to purchase until Saturday 24th October and must be used between Monday 12th October and Saturday 7th November, subject to the opening hours of the participating CAI Chiropractor. The assessment will cost €30 and operate on an appointment only basis. One hundred per cent of proceeds will be donated to charity partner, Spinal Injuries Ireland, to contribute towards the provision of support services for individuals with a spinal cord injury. To avail of this offer, please visit www.chiropractic.ie to obtain a voucher and make an appointment with a local CAI chiropractor.
The Straighten Up campaign originated from a chiropractic university in America. It was designed in collaboration with a team of leading health experts and is endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Bone and Joint Decade.
For more information on the Chiropractic Association of Ireland and Straighten Up Ireland Week please visit www.chiropractic.ie. For more information on Spinal Injuries Ireland, please visit www.spinalinjuries.ie.