Want a more supple spine? Get Moving! Move more and sit less. Sitting is the new smoking in terms of the negative impact being sedentary has on our overall health. However, when we are in pain, moving seems counter-intuitive because the wrong kind of movement can provoke pain. When Ian was diagnosed with 5 herniated lumbar disks, he couldn’t even stand up straight let alone go for a walk without shooting pain in his back and legs. After a successful operation, he was instructed to get up and move as much as he could daily. Four and a half years later Ian is fit, fully functional and doing the activities he loves from daily dog walks to skiing and mountain biking. A proper movement protocol is so important in teaching the body how to move well again without relapse. Our full Mend my Back program will show you how. For now, we encourage you to walk daily. Walking is like a natural back balm bringing circulation and nourishment to our disks and tissues that support the spine. If you are mobile and able, try the before and after stretches too. • Remain active. Walk 20-30 minutes daily with comfortable, supportive shoes. Until next time… When we move better, we feel better. According to a study at Harvard University, just 15 minutes of rhythmic activity is like taking an anti-depressant and not moving is like taking a depressant. Notice your energy and mood before and after a bit of exercise. A little goes a long way! Stay tuned for our next foundation tip to help prepare you for a more restful sleep. Better backs for life, Laura and Ian