You know the importance of hydration, but do you know the importance of hydration to your spine? Water is vital to so much of your health, but especially your spine.

Your body needs water for:

Digestion

To allow cells to reproduce and grow

To rid your body of waste

Lubricating joints

Regulating body temperature

To deliver oxygen to all parts of the body

According to USGS.gov, up to 60% of the human adult body is water. Many of the most important organs are comprised of percentages of water even higher than that.

Although recommended water intake is dependent upon many factors, it is estimated that men need about 100 ounces of water per day. For women, it is about 75 ounces of water per day.

Water is imperative to our survival. Dehydration can cause problems in other parts of your body, but also the spine. Slight dehydration can cause problems. Staying hydrated is important to the spine, because of the components of the spine.

Importance Of Hydration To Your Spine

Your spine is an important part of your body. It holds and protects the spinal cord, where nerves send their signal through to communicate with other parts of your body. Without your spine doing its job, the rest of your body cannot function properly as well.

In between each vertebrae of your spine, is a disc filled with fluid. The role of the disc is to provide cushion for your spine. Without the proper amount of water, the disc cannot cushion the vertebrae properly. This can lead to damage, pain, limited range of motion, trouble with mobility and decreased flexibility.

The discs lose hydration faster as we age. Staying hydrated helps to replenish the water in the discs that cushion the spine.

Now that you know more about the importance of hydration to your spine…

Our outpatient rehabilitation team takes the care of your spine seriously and is equipped to handle many complications that can come from spinal injury or improper function of the spine. Beyond staying hydrated for optimal health, contact us today for any other concerns you may have about your spine that physical therapy can help to remedy.