Straighten Up New Zealand

Straighten Up New Zealand

Backgrounder

What is Straighten Up New Zealand?

Straighten Up New Zealand is a short, simple, engaging spinal exercise programme, specifically designed to promote spinal health, which is being launched by the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, to tie in with World Spine Day on Thursday 16 October.

Why was Straighten Up New Zealand developed?
Back pain causes a great deal of suffering and costs millions of taxpayers’ dollars – regular stretching can help improve posture and prevent pain. The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association is launching Straighten Up New Zealand to promote better spinal health and an improved quality of life among New Zealanders of all ages.

International research has shown forward-head posture and rounded-protracted-shoulder posture contributes to work-related neck and upper limb disorders.

Slouched posture and related musculoskeletal disorders are increasing rapidly in technologically advanced countries with rising levels of computer usage. Studies indicate that this trend has also been identified in adolescents.

Individuals in technologically advanced countries are also becoming increasingly sedentary in terms of lifestyle, contributing to skyrocketing levels of childhood and adult obesity. Studies have linked obesity and inactivity with heightened rates of back pain and disability.

Despite the rising prevalence of forward-head and protracted-shoulder postures with accompanying symptoms, we have not had a publicly launched postural improvement and spinal exercise programme.

The Straighten Up programme was launched in the US as a bold and innovative health promotion initiative designed to empower the American people toward better spinal health and an improved quality of life. This US programme serves as the prototype for an international health promotion initiative.

What is World Spine Day?
World Spine Day is a global initiative to increase knowledge of healthy spinal habits. Together on one day, chiropractors from around the world organise educational events in their communities with the intention of bringing more awareness to spinal health through news and print media outlets.

What is the Spine?
The spine is our backbone and extends from the top of the neck to the tailbone. A healthy spine is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

The spine consists of 33 relatively small bones, called vertebrae. The neck part of the spine (called cervical spine) consists of seven vertebrae. There are 12 vertebrae in the upper and mid back (thoracic spine) and five in the low back (lumbar spine). Five bones fuse together in the tailbone region to form the sacrum and below that is the coccyx, formed by four bones.

The spine is an integral part of the body. Without it, we would not be able to stand upright. The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, absorbing shock and allowing us to bend and twist. Hundreds of muscles, ligaments and tendons are attached to the spine, as well.

Why look after your spine?
Unfortunately, approximately 80 percent of the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. The reasons for this vary, but people who are overweight, smoke or undertake regular manual work then are more likely to be a sufferer.

As back pain is so common, it's important to look after the spine to reduce the number of instances and the effect on overall wellbeing.

Poor spinal health impacts upon the nervous system which in turn reduces our capability of living a normal, active life. The Straighten Up New Zealand programme, along with an active and healthy lifestyle, will help keep the spine in good shape.

By promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine, the risk of getting back problems now and in the future can be substantially reduced.

Why is Straighten Up New Zealand being launched by NZCA?
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who are the experts in spinal health. A large proportion of the people they treat present with symptoms relating to poor posture.

There are over 300 registered chiropractors in New Zealand, and the number is growing. Over 65 percent belong to the NZCA.

The NZCA works to support chiropractors and their patients by promoting the benefits of chiropractic care, maintaining professional standards and providing a voice for members. It also promotes lifelong learning by ensuring members complete a minimum number of post-graduate education hours each year.

Who should see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors treat people of all ages, across all economic and social spectrums. Patients seek treatment for a wide range of conditions, such as back and neck pain, headaches and sciatica. The need for treatment can arise from injury, as a result of aging, repetitive use of limbs or misalignment of the spine.

Making sure the spine and nervous system are working in harmony for good health is just as important for a newborn baby as it is for a senior citizen.

The birth process can place great stress on the newborn's delicate spine. Toddlers and children frequently fall and play rough games. All this may result in a malfunction of the spine, which hinders the body's effort to maintain organs and systems to work in harmony (homeostasis). Correcting vertebral irregularities in the young has been shown to help recovery from a wide range of diseases and disorders.

Adults frequently have stressful occupations and recreational activities and repetitively strain the spine and its supporting ligaments and muscles. Damage to the spine can occur.

Chiropractic care enhances the ability of the body to deal with its injuries, resist disease and maintain optimum health.

Chiropractic is often used by both amateur and professional athletes to reduce the chances of injury and help recovery, as well as to enhance coordination, speed and overall performance. Some chiropractors specialise in this field and help care for some of the world’s top athletes and teams.

How can I find out more about Straighten Up New Zealand?
Visit www.straightenup.org.nz, see your local NZCA chiropractor or call the NZCA on (09) 360 2089.

For more information about chiropractic and the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, visit www.chiropractic.org.nz.

ENDS