Today’s world and the excessive use of digital devices come with many pros and cons. Many young adults expose themselves to several spine health issues during work and other activities like gaming. About 8 percent of United States adults have spine-related issues. Direct and indirect spine health care costs amount to about $12 billion each year, making it the sixth most costly condition in the U.S. For this reason, incorporating your spine into your overall health and wellness objectives is essential. Here are five ways to keep your spine healthy as a student.

1. Visit a Specialist

Neck and back pain is more common among students than many people imagine, even more so for students with special needs who may be more exposed to these risks. Visiting a spine health specialist like the Lone Tree Chiropractic center can be a great option. Remember, some spine health-related issues may take a long time to completely heal. So, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you call on your chiropractor frequently to report early signs of neck and back pains.

For students living with behavioral disabilities and other unique needs, it’s essential to run any spine-health routines with a certified specialist. Some specialists have attended schools that tailor their student-teaching experiences to students with moderate to severe disabilities and special needs. Ensuring they’re approved by an accreditation of teacher education can also be a good idea. Those with online graduate programs in special education can also suffice.

2. Practice Yoga

Many health officials and advocates mark every October as Spine Health Awareness Month, and you’ll find many health blogs recommending home exercises and other instructional strategies to reduce the susceptibility to spine health issues. For beginners, yoga is an easy place to start. Various yoga poses can help strengthen your muscles, thus easing pressure on your spine. That said, be sure to attend classes run by experienced tutors, as spine health is a sensitive topic.

3. Have Regular Breaks

Many students lead sedentary lifestyles. According to research, university students’ mean sitting time exceeded seven hours per day. Students risk succumbing to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as sitting hours increase. Health experts warn students about long hours behind the computer. The practice comes with several mental and spine health challenges that students need to know. The good news is that incorporating walking breaks into your daily routine can significantly impact spine health. Take micro-breaks after each class session. Ultimately, ensure your walking routine fits perfectly in your daily schedule to manage it at your own pace.

4. Practice Good Posture

It takes a lot of effort and discipline to practice good posture. Nobody’s born with a perfect posture, and standing straight is an exercise you have to maintain and get good at as you go about your daily student duties. Remember, it can be hard to assess your posture correctly, and some students rarely identify how they walk after classes or sit during studies. You can use the mirror trick to self-correct your posture through your personal study sessions. With the mirror serving as a visual reference, you’re likely to identify when your sitting posture needs adjustments.

5. Carry a Lightweight Backpack

Carrying and packing habits as new enrollees move their books from campus housing sites to class can be problematic to spine health. Ensuring your backpack weighs 10 percent less than your body weight and choosing double-strapped bags that spread the load evenly are among the numerous best practices you need to consider.

All in all, school life can be draining, but you don’t have to make things worse by leading an unfavorable lifestyle for your spine. These tips can help you every step of the way through your school life, whether remote or on-site.