World Spine Day: 2019

Taking place on October 16 each year, World Spine Day has become a focus in raising awareness of back pain and other spinal issues. With health professionals, exercise and rehabilitation experts, public health advocates, schoolchildren and patients all taking part, World Spine Day will be celebrated on every continent.

World Spine Day highlights the importance of spinal health and well being, promoting physical activity, good posture, responsible lifting and healthy working conditions.

With an estimated one billion people worldwide suffering from back pain, it affects all age groups, from children to the elderly. It is the biggest single cause of disability on the planet, with one in four adults estimated to suffer from back pain during their lives. Prevention is therefore key and this year’s World Spine Day will be encouraging people to take steps to be kind to their spines.

More than 11 million Canadians suffer from a condition related to the spine, muscle and nervous system that affects their movement each year. These conditions are having a devastating impact on Canadians' health and quality of life.

Chiropractors are an integral part of the solution to address this growing epidemic. Every year, 4.5 million Canadians rely on services offered by chiropractors to prevent and manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and diseases. Why? Because chiropractic care is drug free, non-invasive, and preventative.

The theme for this year’s World Spine Day is “Get Spine Active” (#getspineactive). We’ve often heard the phrase ‘movement is medicine’, and keeping your spine mobile while staying active helps to maintain flexibility and prevent back pain. With over 60 joints in your spine, it’s important that they function properly so the spine can keep you upright while protecting your spinal cord and nerves.

As we get older, we all suffer from wear and tear changes, so are subject to aches and pains from time to time. But this doesn’t mean you need to stop moving – it means quite the opposite! Doing daily exercise and movements to keep your spine functioning properly may help to prevent joints from getting creaky and painful.

This World Spine Day, make sure you #getspineactive!

Visit World Spine Day and the Canadian Chiropractic Association for more information!