Many people worry that running ruins their joints, but recent science suggests the opposite for your back! Recent studies found that middle-aged long-distance runners actually had 20% taller spinal discs than people who didn’t run.
Think of your spinal discs as the “shock absorbers” of your body. When they are thick and healthy, they keep your spine flexible and protect your bones. When they flatten out, it can lead to stiffness and pain.
What Flattens Your Discs?
Our discs naturally lose some height as we age, but certain habits can speed this up:
- Excess weight: Adds constant pressure.
- Poor posture: Slumping or ignoring your core muscles.
- Static loads: Sitting or standing still for too long.
- Heavy lifting with bad form: Especially twisting while bending.
- Inactivity: Ironically, doing nothing is one of the worst things for your spine.
How to “Feed” Your Spine
Your discs don’t have a direct blood supply; they stay healthy through movement. Dynamic, upright activities act like a pump, bringing in nutrients and keeping the discs “plump.”
To keep your spine young and resilient, try these activities:
- Running and Jogging: The rhythmic impact actually strengthens the discs.
- Walking or Nordic Walking: Great low-impact options.
- Dancing: Keeps the spine moving in multiple directions.
- Jump Rope: Excellent for building disc density.
- Ball Sports: The varied movement is very beneficial.
The Bottom Line: You don’t have to be a marathon runner to have a healthy back. The key is to move at a slow to medium pace and avoid staying static. Make “spine-friendly” exercise a part of your daily routine!
Join our XTERRA Race 4-Day Trail Running Experience in Malta this May.