A key factor to living with a spine or back pain condition is staying healthy. Overall wellness is a combination of a balanced diet, appropriate exercise and physical activity, restful sleep and positive lifestyle choices.

Stay fit, stay healthy, and stay aware with our collection of articles, research, and videos.

Improper posture increases the stress and load on the spine. Keeping good posture and using products such as ergonomic office chairs can reduce back or neck pain.

Exercise is important for multiple reasons for people with back or neck pain. The exercises can help avoid a loss in range of motion or stretch muscles and ligaments that may be putting pressure on a nerve.

A massage in the back or neck helps with relaxation and speeds the healing process by increasing blood circulation.

Extra weight puts stress on the back and can either cause back pain or make recovery slower. Diet is important, because the spine needs certain nutrients for strength.

Insomnia is common in back pain or neck pain patients. Treating sleep problems with medication or optimal pillow and mattress selection can help reduce pain.

Smoking makes a person more susceptible to back pain and it is especially harmful to anyone undergoing a spinal fusion procedure.

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