In this fast-paced world, we are often pushed to our limits and forget the adaptability of the human body. One of the structures in our body that has to go through a lot on a daily basis is the spine. The Spine is the backbone of health and helps us to bend and twist to perform the activities of daily living. To celebrate the remarkable flexibility, functionality, and strength, we have World Spine Day.

On this day, we can recognize the importance of spinal health and shed light into maintaining a healthy spine. A healthy spine will help you to contribute to overall activities and keep the best performances. This narrative is particularly dedicated to World Spine Day. Here, we will learn about the spine and learn to celebrate this day with healthy enthusiasm.

Spine: Anatomy and Support

Understanding the spine can help you maintain good spinal health and perform activities of daily living with great care. The spine comprehends segments known as cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These curves provide balance and help us to stand straight. The symmetry of these curves also matters because it can impact our posture which affects our standing and sitting capabilities.

If a person has abnormal curves in the spine, then it is termed a spinal deformity. Hunchback, Scoliosis, and swayback are common examples. The bones that are smaller in size and make up the spine are called Vertebrae. These bones not only make the spine but also protect nerve roots and spinal cord. The flat and round disks that sit between Vertebrae are called Intervertebral Disks.

These disks are further made up of two structures known as Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus. The spine helps in maintaining body posture, coordinating the movement of limbs, and absorbing mechanical forces on the spine.

Origin and Purposes of World Spine Day

In 2005, World Spine Day was known as World Spinal Column Day and was introduced by the European Chiropractors Union. Later, on the 6^th of October, 2008, the World Federation of Chiropractic officially launched World Spine Day.

From that day till now, World Spine Day has been celebrated on the 16^th of October every year. Firstly in 2012, this day was celebrated with the theme of “Straighten Up and Move.” In 2018, its theme was “Love Your Spine,” and in 2019, it was themed as “Get Spine Active.”

The recent theme of World Spine Day was “Every Spine Counts.” The theme of World Spine Day which will be celebrated on 16^th of October, 2023, is announced as “Move Your Spine.” Thus, get ready to move your spine to get optimal spinal health.

Purpose of World Spine Day

• World Spine Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining spinal health throughout your life.
• It also encourages every person to pay attention to spinal health and maintain its symmetry.
• On this day, you can also educate all individuals about spinal disorders, and the prevention, treatment, and management of these spinal disorders.
• One of the main purposes of this day is to encourage physical activities that can help in maintaining overall well-being.

How to Celebrate World Spine Day

Celebrating World Spine Day is an important step to raise awareness about spinal health. There are multiple ways to celebrate this day, some of them are listed below:

• Educate Yourself

Before anything else, you have to educate yourself on the importance of maintaining a healthy spine. Moreover, try to learn about common spinal disorders and ways to prevent these problems first-hand.

• Aware Your Loved Ones

You may never want your loved ones to suffer from backbone conditions because it can drop their functionality to zero. Thus, give awareness to your loved ones about the importance of maintaining a healthy spine. Share relevant posts on social media and reach a wider audience with relevant hashtags.

• Screening Camps

Reach out to healthcare professionals and arrange camps for spinal health screening. You can also consult chiropractors, physical therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons. Try to arrange free camps so people can get their spines checked.

• Talk About Ergonomics

Ergonomics is an important factor in maintaining a good spine. Thus, you can be aware that people working in offices and other workplaces pay attention to ergonomics while working. You can also spread information via brochures and social media posts.

Common Spine-Related Issues

Every structure in our body encompasses its significance. It is important for every person to learn about the medical issues related to the structures of the human body, so they can manage it without getting panicked. Some of the common spine-related injuries are listed here for you:

• Slipped Disk: A cushion-like structure is present between two vertebrae to avoid friction. The displacement or protrusion of this disk is known as Slipped Disk.
• Spondylosis: The degeneration of the bones of the spine that leads to pain and stiffness is called Spondylosis.
• Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. It can happen in any part of the spine but is commonly found in the lower back.
• Scoliosis: The abnormal sideways curve of the spine is called scoliosis. It can be S-shaped or C-shaped.
• Kyphosis: The abnormal rounding of the upper back due to an excessive curve is termed Kyphosis.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: The arthritis of the spine which causes inflammation of joints and surrounding structures of spine sound.
• Spondylolisthesis: It is a condition in which the vertebrae slip over vertebrae below and cause severe pain.
• Syringomyelia: The formation of fluid-filled cysts in the spinal cord that often leads to loss of sensation is called Syringomyelia.

Why Spinal Health Matters

Spinal health matters a lot in the life of every person. With good care of the spine, one can maintain a healthy and good posture. It can also help in preventing injuries that can impact your lifestyle in a bad way. Moreover, the Spine provides support to body structures and results in optimal coordination and control of movement.

With a stronger spine, you can experience greater mobility without any restrictions. If you get a spinal injury, it can make even simple activities like sitting straight, bending, and running, very difficult for you.

Misconceptions About Spinal Health

You have to avoid misconceptions about the spine so you can opt for techniques to make it better. Some of the common misconceptions about spinal health are:

• Your back can be damaged easily.
• Core exercises are best for a healthy spine.
• If you have a bad posture, you will have back pain.
• Lifting heavy objects can damage your back in a bad way.
• You shouldn’t be exercising if you already have back pain.
• Back pain always leads to serious spine-related issues.
• I can restore my disc by drinking lots of water.
• I will never be able to perform physical activities if I go through a spinal injury.
• Obesity can never cause back pain.

Spine Support and Prevention

You can find innumerable ways to support the spine and prevent it from injuries. Some of the ways to do it effectively are described here:

• Pay attention to ergonomics and use effective spine support tools and products such as a Customisable lower support brace for spin support.
• Exercise regularly and try to keep your body active for at least 20 minutes per day.
• Try to maintain a healthy posture and follow posture correction techniques such as chin up and moving shoulder to back.
• Do perform stretches to maintain the elasticity and flexibility of spine muscles.

Summary

As discussed in this article, you can celebrate World Spine Day on the 16^th of October, 2023. This day holds significance in our lives as you can share awareness of spinal health and learn to maintain a healthy spine. Moreover, you can also arrange seminars and camps to raise awareness about the importance of spinal health. Yet, it is important to avoid misconceptions about spinal health and learn how to take care of your spine in an effective way.