Most of us know that drinking fresh water throughout the day is good for us.  Fresh water flushes our kidneys and staves off the negative effects of dehydration.

Did you know that drinking water regularly is also good for your spine?

How can drinking water help with back pain?

Your back has spongy discs in between the bones of your spine.  They cushion the bones as you move.

What happens when you’re experiencing dehydration?  These discs become drier and less spongy.  They don’t cushion your bones as well, leading to back pain.

Dehydration can also contribute to other types of pain.  If you have joint pain, arthritis, headaches, fibromyalgia, migraine, or stiffness of movement, insufficient water can make these conditions worse.  When the body’s tissues aren’t sufficiently hydrated, they don’t do as good of a job.  When that happens, you experience pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

If you’re feeling achy and stiff, make sure you’ve had enough water.

How much water do I need?

We’ve all heard the common guideline of at least eight glasses a day.  The truth, however, is a bit more complicated.

People who sweat heavily, people who spend a lot of time in warm environments, and people who regularly engage in vigorous exercise may require more water.

People who eat a lot of foods with high water content, such as tomatoes, fresh fruit, soup, and many types of fresh vegetables, may not need to drink as much water because they get more moisture from their diet.  However, a person cannot rely on food alone to properly hydrate the body.  Your body requires water, too.

And, of course, the “eight glasses” depends on how big the glass is!

How do I know when I’ve had enough water?

It’s common for people to use the bathroom every 2-3 hours.  If you can easily go longer than this, you might not be drinking enough water.

Dark urine is a sign that you’re dehydrated.  Urine should be straw-coloured.

If you make a habit of refilling a water bottle throughout the day, you can judge how much water you’ve consumed by how many times you’ve filled the bottle.  Some bottles have measurements on the side so you can be more precise if you like.

If back pain lingers and water doesn’t fix it

If drinking water isn’t enough to get rid of your back pain, it’s time to visit the chiropractor.  Give Sheppard Chiropractic Centre a call at 847-7172 or 635-8182 and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment for you.  We are accepting new patients, and we are always glad to see previous patients return as needed.