Back to School = Back to Back Health

The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team • September 15, 2022

Strong back muscles are essential for core stability and avoiding any unnecessary stresses to the body's supportive structures, such as the ligaments and tissues.

Your spine supports your whole body

Adult or child, your spine is responsible for protecting your nervous system, the master control centre of your entire body. If you have a spinal problem that isn't being properly managed, the function of vital organs and systems could be affected which may lead to further pain or health problems.

Your spine is, quite literally, the backbone of your ability to move, sleep and function properly. Why should you care about your spine health? Simply put, most every movement originates from your spine, so taking care of your cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower) spine should be of utmost importance for students going back to school, athletes, weekend warriors and everyone in between.

Without a healthy spine, everyday tasks and movements such as sitting up straight, bending over, picking up objects, walking, twisting and moving your neck can become extremely difficult or painful. When the spine is injured you can expect to have limited mobility; and the inability to move normally, without pain, can be a blow to your quality of life and focus, so it’s important to care about your spine health and to understand its role in your overall well-being. Dr. Diana Mladenoff can help you and your family get adjusted and be ready for the new school year.

Your spine has three major functions:

  • Protecting the spinal cord and associated nerve roots
  • Providing structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture
  • Enabling flexible motion

The nervous system uses the spine to transmit electrical impulses resulting in feelings of sensation. Sensory information like pressure, touch, cold, warmth, pain and sensations in the skin, muscles, joints and internal organs all originate in the spine. A damaged spinal cord can interrupt neural responses, disabling sensations in certain parts of the body.

Tips for a Healthy Spine at Any Age

There are a few fairly straightforward ways for you to protect your spine health every day:

Watch your technique when lifting. If you don’t have the proper form when picking up heavy objects, you may twist the wrong way and damage your spine. To lift correctly, stand as close to the object as you can and use your legs and knees as opposed to your back and upper body to lift the item. If the item is too heavy for you, get help and don’t attempt to lift yourself.

Get a good night’s rest. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, especially when little ones are growing at a rapid pace. It’s important to get enough sleep to allow for complete healing. Also, try sleeping on your side instead of on your stomach – as sleeping on your stomach puts extra pressure on your spine. A supportive mattress and pillows promoting proper alignment of the spine and neck are also good investments.

Stay active and stretch regularly. Maintaining an active lifestyle can help lower your risk for experiencing low back pain. Optimal exercise routines involve a combination of aerobic activity, core strengthening and stretching. Stretching to stay flexible also helps to promote good joint function and range of motion, which helps to promote spine health and reduce your overall risk for injury.

Treat yourself to a massage. If you’re nursing a back injury, a good massage can help encourage blood flow to the affected area. This may bring healing nutrients to help speed up the recovery process. Ask Dr. Diana about the use of manual therapy in recovery techniques.

Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess weight (even at a young age) can strain the lower back due to added stress on the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the spinal area. Diet and exercise are the main ways to maintain a healthy weight.

Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps to maintain soft tissue elasticity and fluidity in the joints, which is important for spinal discs to keep their height. When spinal discs shrink due to dehydration, you can become more likely to suffer from a painful disc condition such as a herniation or bulging discs. Water contributes to overall structural health. Make sure to encourage your little ones to drink water before and after being active, in the morning and after every meal.

If you feel your spine health is suffering or you want to give your children the best opportunity to grow properly, don’t delay in seeking holistic medical help from Dr. Diana at The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona.

The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona is a wellness clinic in the Phoenix area. Specializing in pediatric chiropractic, pre- and postnatal treatments, acupuncture, low level laser therapy, and nutritional guidance. Contact us today for drug free healthcare ahead of the curve. Schedule an appointment by TEXTING or calling 1 (602) 524-0222.

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By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team • October 23, 2025
The Foundation: How Nutrition Shapes Your Health Every cell, organ, and system in your body depends on essential nutrients and minerals to function properly. When your nutrition is balanced, your body operates efficiently—repairing tissues, regulating hormones, supporting brain health, and fueling energy production. However, modern diets often lack the nutrients needed for optimal wellness. Processed foods, refined sugars, and chronic stress can deplete your body’s stores of vital vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can contribute to inflammation, fatigue, poor digestion, and even nerve dysfunction. Essential Nutrients for a Strong Nervous System The nervous system is your body’s communication network, connecting your brain to every organ and tissue. Certain nutrients play key roles in keeping it healthy: Magnesium – Calms nerve impulses and supports muscle relaxation. B Vitamins (B1, B6, B12) – Vital for nerve repair, energy metabolism, and cognitive clarity. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduce inflammation and protect nerve cell membranes. Vitamin D – Supports neuromuscular function and immune balance. Calcium & Potassium – Crucial for proper nerve signaling and muscle contraction. When your diet supplies these essentials, your nervous system can communicate clearly and efficiently—helping your entire body function more harmoniously. The Chiropractic Connection: Aligning Structure with Function Your spine is more than just a support structure—it’s the protective pathway for your central nervous system. Misalignments (known as subluxations) can disrupt nerve communication between the brain and body, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and decreased organ function over time. Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment and motion to the spine, reducing interference within the nervous system. When your spine is aligned, your body can better regulate its internal systems—improving digestion, circulation, immune response, and even mood. At Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona, our goal is to help patients achieve balance from within. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with proper nutrition, create the foundation for lasting health and vitality. Lifestyle Synergy: Simple Daily Habits for Lasting Wellness Wellness isn’t achieved overnight—it’s built through consistent, intentional habits that support your body’s natural healing ability. Here are a few daily practices we recommend: Start Your Day with Hydration: Water supports every metabolic process and helps flush toxins. Prioritize Whole Foods: Choose nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and colorful fruits. Move Regularly: Gentle exercise, stretching, and posture awareness complement chiropractic care. Manage Stress: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and adequate sleep keep your nervous system balanced. Schedule Regular Chiropractic Checkups: Prevent small misalignments from becoming chronic problems. Your Path to Total Wellness Starts Here At Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona, we take a comprehensive approach to your health; combining chiropractic care, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle education to help your body function at its full potential. When your spine is aligned and your cells are nourished, your body can truly heal, thrive, and perform at its best. Ready to Feel the Difference? Experience how proper nutrition and chiropractic care can transform your health. 📞 Call or Text Dr. Diana at the Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona today 1 (602) 524-0222 or schedule your appointment online to begin your journey toward natural wellness and a vibrant, energized life. Wellness awaits you.

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