By the age of 28-30 years old, our bodies start to turn the corner in terms of loosing elasticity, strength and tone in our muscles, ligaments and joint capsules. Unless we are doing the correct regular exercise to offset these changes then we can expect our spines to start to progressively demonstrate the change in shape shown in the drawing below.

As our posture changes, we will see an increase in back and neck pain as the soft tissue holding elements become less efficient at maintaining good alignment and mobility. There may also be degenerative changes to the bones, especially at the joints leading to stiffness and pain. We know that sensible weight baring exercise helps maintain bone density.

In developed countries, this process is compounded and accelerated by increasing sedentary lifestyles. A combination of lack of appropriate exercise, sitting at a computer desk all day, going home and sitting in front of the television can only make things worse.

So, the moral is, start getting active or increase your activity. Seek advice on the best forms of exercise for your body type, age and personality. Join a gym, take up a yoga/pilates class, swim, get up from your desk regularly…. Ask your Chiropractor.

In other words get moving, literally, because your body is mechanically reactive. It will respond to the right exercise and if done regularly and at the right level of intensity, you will change your body shape and condition. You can see and feel changes taking place within weeks.

Remember, if you don’t use it, then you lose it!