Musculoskeletal disorders are on the rise in the USA 

Disease and disorders related to joints, bones and muscles are reaching comparable levels with heart and lung conditions in the United States. Arthritis is already a significant cause of disability in our country, and with an aging population, and a working demographic shifting into more sedentary settings, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is slated to rise further. Whether you are a dedicated couch potato or a fitness fanatic, 2018 is the year that we should pay more attention to our musculoskeletal health.

Taking care of your biomechanical being 

As with most health-related discussions, there are three incredibly important ways to protect your bones, joints and muscles. 

Diet: KISS, or keep it simple, stupid. While nutrition is moving forward all the time with new ideas, the basics of nutrition for musculoskeletal health stay the same. Nutrition for your bones and joints doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Just focus on getting plenty of the following nutrients in your diet:

• Calcium to preserve bone density
• Potassium to help with calcium uptake
• Vitamin D, C and K to improve tissue and joint health 
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake

Exercise: 2018 makes it easier than ever to find the exercise you need, whether it be on-the-go, at the gym, or at home. There are many apps and video series dedicated to improving the strength of muscles, bones and joints. 

• Weight-bearing exercises preserve bone mass, build muscle and maintain range of motion in the joints. 
• Seeking low-impact exercise helps minimize the burden on your joints
• Cardiovascular exercise improves circulation to deliver nutrients where they are needed.
• Ensure that you incorporate the appropriate amount of rest and recovery to prevent injury from over-exertion. 

Chiropractic is musculoskeletal medicine 

At our office in Milpitas, we are dedicated to helping people improve their musculoskeletal health through natural modalities. We believe in helping people live longer, more able lives by focusing on improving the body’s ability to heal itself. Spinal alignment regulates the nervous system, protects against spinal degeneration and improves function and range of motion. If you are interested in making 2018 the year of musculoskeletal health, give our office in Milpitas a call to schedule an appointment today.