We often think of ageing in terms of wrinkles or grey hairs, but did you know your back has its own age too? Your spinal health can be a true indicator of your overall wellbeing, and understanding your “back age” might be the wake-up call you need to take better care of your body. At Dynamic Chiropractic, we’re here to guide you towards a healthier, younger-feeling spine.

What Is Back Age?

Back age isn’t a concept you’ll find in biology textbooks, but it’s a helpful way to understand how lifestyle factors and habits impact the health of your spine. A “young” back is flexible, strong, and pain-free, while an “old” back may suffer from stiffness, aches, and reduced mobility – often linked to wear and tear, poor posture, and lack of movement.

Common Culprits of Premature Back Ageing

Many of us unintentionally accelerate our back’s ageing process. Here are some common causes:

● Poor Posture: Hours spent hunched over desks and screens take a toll on spinal alignment.
● Sedentary Lifestyles: Prolonged sitting weakens core muscles and puts pressure on the lower back.
● Improper Lifting Techniques: Straining your back when lifting heavy objects can lead to long-term damage.
● Lack of Exercise: Without regular movement, the spine becomes less flexible, and surrounding muscles weaken.
● Stress: Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, affecting your overall spinal health.
● Work-from-Home Setups: Many people now work from makeshift home offices, often without ergonomic chairs or properly positioned desks. This can lead to poor posture, increased strain on the spine, and discomfort in the neck and back.
● Increased Screen Time: Longer hours spent on laptops or mobile phones can contribute to “tech neck” – strain in the cervical spine caused by looking down at devices for extended periods.

How to Discover Your Back Age

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) recently launched a fascinating tool to help you discover your back age. Through a series of 5 exercises you can gain valuable insights into the health and age of your spine. The calculator is a fantastic starting point to assess whether your back is ageing prematurely and what you can do about it.

Here are a couple of exercises to try at home to give you a better understanding of your back’s functional health:

The Back Health Calculator Test

Exercise 1 – 30-Second Sit to Stand Test

This exercise is designed to test leg strength and endurance in older adults. Lower scores could indicate a risk of falls, but it’s also a valuable physical performance test for younger adults and athletes.

1. Start from a comfortable seated position on a chair.
2. Cross your arms over your chest.
3. Gently raise yourself to a standing position and sit back down.
4. Repeat as many times as possible in 30 seconds.

Depending on your age and gender, you should be able to complete between 15 to 30 repetitions. This test highlights leg, hip and pelvic strength, which supports your lower back and spine.

Exercise 2 – Active Straight Leg Raise

This test assesses how well your body transfers load through the pelvis and lower back:

1. Lie flat on your back.
2. Slowly raise one leg about 20 centimetres.
3. Lower the leg and repeat with the other.

If you experience strain or discomfort in the lower back or pelvis, this could indicate an issue. This test helps evaluate core stability and lower back health.

For guidance on performing these exercises correctly, refer to demonstration videos or consult with a professional chiropractor.

Tips for Keeping Your Back Young

The good news is that you can reverse the effects of premature back ageing with the right strategies. Here are some expert tips from our chiropractors at Dynamic Chiropractic:

1. Prioritise Posture: Use ergonomic furniture, sit with your feet flat on the floor, and keep your screen at eye level to maintain a neutral spine.
2. Stay Active: Engage in regular exercises like yoga, swimming, or walking to keep your spine flexible and strong.
3. Lift Smartly: Always bend at your knees, not your waist, when picking up heavy objects.
4. Manage Stress: Practise relaxation techniques such as meditation, journaling, breath work, or massage therapy.
5. Visit a Chiropractor: Regular chiropractic care can address alignment issues, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

How We Can Help

At Dynamic Chiropractic, we specialise in holistic spinal health. Our experienced chiropractors use personalised treatments to keep your back in top condition. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stiffness, or simply want to stay proactive about your spinal health, we’re here to help.

Take Control of Your Back Age Today

Your back is the foundation of your body’s movement and support. By understanding your back age and adopting healthier habits, you can enjoy better mobility, reduced pain, and an improved quality of life.

Curious about your back age? Book an appointment with Dynamic Chiropractic today, and let’s work together to keep your spine youthful and strong for years to come.

Contact Us

Visit our website booking page or call us to schedule your consultation. Your journey to a healthier back starts here!