Here is why the curves are so important and scroll down to see videos on how to restore the cervical and lumbar curves with simple devices you can buy yourself online.
Amazon link for inexpensive cervical traction device: https://amzn.to/4eG9NpE
Amazon link for Lumbar Posture Pump:
Maintaining proper cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) lateral curves is crucial for several reasons related to spinal health and overall well-being:
- Spinal Alignment: The cervical and lumbar curves help in maintaining the natural alignment of the spine. This alignment is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system, which controls all bodily functions. Misalignment can lead to nerve impingement, pain, and reduced mobility.
- Shock Absorption: These curves act as natural shock absorbers, distributing the forces exerted on the spine during everyday activities like walking, running, and lifting. Without proper curves, the spine may not absorb shocks effectively, potentially leading to degeneration of spinal discs and joints.
- Muscle Balance and Support: The curves help to balance the muscles that support the spine. When the curves are maintained, muscles on either side of the spine can work efficiently together to support the body’s weight and movements. This reduces the risk of muscle strain and fatigue.
- Prevention of Pain and Injury: Proper cervical and lumbar curves help prevent pain and injury. Misalignment or loss of these curves can contribute to conditions such as neck pain, lower back pain, herniated discs, and sciatica.
- Optimal Posture: Correct posture is closely linked to the maintenance of these spinal curves. Good posture reduces stress on ligaments, prevents excessive strain on muscles, and promotes efficient breathing and circulation.
- Functional Movement: The curves facilitate normal range of motion in the neck and lower back. This allows for activities such as turning the head, bending forward and backward, and twisting the torso without discomfort or restriction.
Overall, maintaining proper cervical and lumbar lateral curves supports spinal health, reduces the risk of pain and disc injuries, and promotes overall physical well-being. The following videos show Dr. Amy’s ways to restore and maintain these important neck and lower back curves. Exercises, fixing bad postural habits, and regular chiropractic care can also help in maintaining or restoring these curves if they become compromised due to injury, poor posture, or other factors.
Use the pdf chart below (just print it out for use at home) to keep track of doing your rehab “tractioning” 100 times. Keep either a “once a day” or “every other day” or “Monday through Friday then let yourself off the hook for the weekend” schedule to be successful. Choose one of those styles. Also, it helps to make it a non-negotiable event right when you wake up or right after you brush your teeth before hopping into bed.
When Dr. Amy was using the neck device at home to restore her cervical/neck curve, she used the technique of doing the tractioning during what would be “Snooze Button” time in the mornings. She would wake up, set the timer for 15 minutes, hit the floor with a blanket to stay cozy, start the tractioning, and fall back asleep until the timer alarm rang. Easy Peasy!