2025 seems to have crept up on us out of nowhere – somehow, we’re already well into the new year. Regardless of what resolutions you’ve set for yourself this year, there’s no time like the present to assess your overall well-being and set goals to optimize your health. Setting realistic and attainable goals is key to help build new habits that endure and help you look and feel your very best. Here are some sane, attainable New Year’s resolutions for keeping your spine and body healthy and happy to usher in the new year.

Tips For Keeping Your Spine Healthy This Year

1. Stick to a nutrient-laden anti-inflammatory diet: Although this may be fairly obvious to many people, a healthy diet is one of the biggest components to maintaining your health. Load up on anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, salmon, berries, leafy greens, ginger, and turmeric to support joint health and mitigate pain in your spine. 
2. Mindful, regular exercise: By increasing blood flow to the soft tissues surrounding your vertebrae, regular exercise improves spine and core strength. This blood flow circulates more nutrients and oxygen to the area and helps your body recover faster. From low-impact activities like swimming and cycling to strengthening your core with pilates or yoga, exercise is more than vanity – it’s what your body needs to improve circulation and flexibility for a healthier spine.
3. Sleep in an ergonomic position: We all know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. But you may not know the damage that sleeping on an old, unsupportive mattress can cause to your spine. We recommend a firm to medium-firm mattress and a pillow that helps your spine rest in a comfortable and supported way. Back and side sleepers can try placing a pillow underneath or between the knees for extra support.
4. Sitting in an ergonomic position: We spend so much time in our daily lives sitting down. Whether you’re driving to work or just working at your desk, an accommodating seat can seriously strain your neck, back, shoulders, and body, resulting in stiffness and pain that may lead to further injuries.
5. Regularly stretch, stand, and move around: It’s easy to plonk down at your desk or on the couch and stay in the same position for hours at a time. Try to get up at least once an hour to move around and stretch your body for a few minutes. Staying in the same position for long periods of time can cause strain and stiffness, leading to poor posture and further risk of injury. 
6. Comfortable bags and shoes: Our everyday items have a major impact on the way we move. Shoes, purses, briefcases, and backpacks that we wear/carry every day can wear on your body if not carried in the correct manner, or if they are not comfortable. Consider shoes with plenty of arch support or adding shoe inserts for additional support. If you have back problems already, avoid wearing heavy bags on one shoulder and opt for rolling luggage and backpacks with optimal support.
7. Relax with a massage: A professional back massage not only offers the emotional benefit of relaxation, but also therapeutic advantages by loosening tight muscles and connective tissues while promoting blood flow. Treat yourself to a regular massage with a licensed massage therapist instead of hitting the bar.

Contact Us Today

Taking care of your spine and body is crucial to preventing future pain and injury as well as keeping any current problems in check. Call The Spine and Scoliosis Center to schedule an appointment with a spinal specialist today.