Love Your Spine: Why Self-Care Is Healthcare
by Dr. John Giusti, D.C.
We tend to think of healthcare as something we do after something goes wrong. A flare-up. A bad night’s sleep. That moment when tying your shoes suddenly feels like an extreme sport.But real healthcare? It happens in the small, daily choices—especially when it comes to your spine.Your spine is the communication highway between your brain and body. How you move, sit, sleep, breathe, and recover every day directly affects how well that system works. That’s where self-care comes in—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Preventive
Self-care gets a bad reputation. It sounds indulgent. Optional. Like something you do after you’ve handled everything else.But caring for your spine is one of the most practical forms of preventive healthcare there is.When your spine moves well:
-Your nervous system communicates more efficiently
-Muscles fire when they should (and relax when they should)
-Joints stay healthier longer
-Pain is less likely to become chronic
Small habits done consistently often do more than occasional “big fixes.”
Daily Spine Care = Long-Term Health
You don’t need an hour-long routine or a yoga retreat in the mountains. Most spinal self-care is about awareness and micro-adjustments throughout your day.
Try these simple habits:
Change positions often – The best posture is your next posture
Unclench your shoulders – Especially when driving or scrolling
Breathe deeper – Shallow breathing creates tension through the neck and mid-back
Support your sleep – Your spine spends 6–8 hours there every night
These small actions reduce stress on the spine before it turns into pain.
Stress Lives in the Spine
Emotional stress doesn’t just live in your head—it shows up in your body.
Tight neck. Locked-up mid-back. Achy low back.
When stress is constant, muscles stay tense and joints stop moving the way they should. That’s why spinal care and stress management go hand in hand. Movement, adjustments, breathing, and recovery all help your body shift out of “survival mode” and back into balance.
Chiropractic Care + Self-Care =
Stronger ResultsChiropractic adjustments help restore motion, alignment, and nervous system function—but what you do between visits matters just as much.Think of it like brushing your teeth between dental cleanings.When self-care supports your adjustments:
-Results last longer
-Flare-ups are less frequent
-Your body adapts better to daily stress
That’s not extra care—that’s smart care.
Loving Your Spine Is a Long Game
You only get one spine. It carries you through every chapter of your life—from workdays and workouts to rest days and vacations.Loving your spine means:
-Moving it daily
-Listening to early warning signs
-Prioritizing recovery
-Choosing care before crisis
That’s not just self-care. That’s healthcare.
If you’re ready to take better care of your spine—or want help building simple habits that fit your life—we’re here to help.
Dr. John Giusti, D.C.
