Newswise — Arlington, Va. – The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and chiropractors nationwide are promoting the benefits of movement to overall health as well as the prevention of back pain during National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) in October. This year’s theme, “Move 4 Life,” encourages people to move more now so they will be able to move better later and avoid chronic and painful conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles.

For information on the benefits of movement and tips on how to stay active and prevent injury, visit www.acatoday.org/NCHM and follow ACA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram--look for the hashtag #Move4Life.

Research shows there is a worldwide pandemic of increasing inactivity. In the U.S., only about half of all adults get the recommended amount of physical activity, putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes as well as falls and low back pain.

“The bones, muscles and joints that make up our body’s musculoskeletal system require regular movement to stay healthy and function properly. As we age, we are more at risk of developing low back pain and joint problems if we do not get enough physical activity,” said ACA President N. Ray Tuck, Jr., DC. “With their nondrug approach, chiropractors help people move better by relieving back and joint pain and improving joint function.”

ACA offers additional information on how to get and stay moving:

  • Good nutrition, ergonomic workspaces and proper lifting and movement techniques can go a long way in helping people to strengthen their spines and avoid disabling injuries and chronic back pain, which often prevent regular physical activity.
  • Consider weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, which help maintain bone density over a lifetime and keep our skeletal bones healthy and strong.
  • When busy schedules are the obstacle, a re-examination of personal priorities is sometimes necessary to restore balance in life; make time for heathy habits such as physical activity.
  • Back pain is one of the most common conditions for which prescription opioids are prescribed. It was once believed that pain medication and bed rest were the best course of action for low back pain, but research today supports first trying nondrug options for pain management, while remaining as active as possible, before moving on to other options.

Doctors of chiropractic practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care and pain relief that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. In addition to their expertise in spinal manipulation, chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, and to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. For more information, visit www.acatoday.org/patients.

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About National Chiropractic Health Month 

National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) is a nationwide observance held each October. The event helps to raise public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered and drug-free approach to health and wellness. NCHM strives to educate consumers about the benefits of chiropractic services and to help them reach optimal levels of health and wellness. Learn more at www.acatoday.org/NCHM.

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways--by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices. We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. To learn more, visit www.acatoday.org, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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