Straighten Up and Move is the message from the Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI ) as it launched the fifth annual Straighten Up Ireland Week.
Straighten Up Ireland is a posture care programme that aims to raise awareness of spinal health, highlight the impact of spinal and postural disorders, and empower people with knowledge and tools to help them improve and maintain their spinal health. The theme of Straighten Up and Move emphasises the importance of healthy spinal posture and activity, which promotes body awareness and minimises the day-to-day wear and tear on a person’s spine.
According to a recent CAI survey, one-fifth of respondents experience regular back, neck, and/or shoulder pain, with almost three quarters suffering from one or more of these issues on occasion. As part of Straighten Up Ireland Week and to address these common complaints, the CAI will be highlighting a series of simple everyday exercises, which take only three minutes to complete and act to improve posture, stabilise core muscles, enhance health, and help prevent spinal disability. The exercises can be undertaken by people of all ages with a special programme tailored for children.
Dr Siobhan Guiry, president of the CAI, commented: “Back pain is the second most frequent reason for doctor visits, second only to the common cold. Increasingly in this technological age, individuals are experiencing greater levels of spinal discomfort and disability related to stress and poor posture. Many people commonly work and play in cramped or slouched postures. The resulting pandemic of work and recreation-related chronic spinal disorders compromises the quality of our lives. Not only does this have a major socio-economic impact in Ireland with absenteeism and reduced efficiency in the workplace, it also means that many people are suffering with pain and disability each day.”
Visit www.chiropractic.ie for more information on the Chiropractic Association of Ireland and Straighten Up Ireland Week. Information leaflets advising how to do the exercises are also available for download.
