We should all make our spine health a number one priority! Once pain gets a hold in our backs or necks, we then start to appreciate how great it was not to have pain and it can be very difficult to go back to a completely pain free state. Back and neck pain problems are so prevalent that it seems everyone has experienced one or both at least some time during their lives. It is possible to have a pain free spine but it takes dedicated time and work from you and it takes a certain amount of patience.

Research suggests that many spine problems are preventable because they result from poor posture, poor body mechanics and a lack of exercise to keep the spine strong and flexible. Most of us sit for a lot of the day and don't move our spines through a full available range of movement from one day to the next. This lack of movement, combined with abnormal stresses over time, leads to structural changes in the spine, including degeneration of your discs and joints, lengthening or shortening of the supportive ligaments and muscles in your vertebral column, and wear and tear of cartilage between your vertebrae. All of these structural changes can lead to pain and a worsening of your posture.

The good news is that there are many things that you can do each day to minimize or alleviate current spinal pain and prevent future deterioration from occurring. You should think of your spine, as a wonderfully designed mechanical structure, which needs regular care and maintenance to keep it functioning properly and efficiently. This care should be daily care and should be specific!

We need to focus on our spines to optimize the overall health of our bodies as it literally is the 'backbone' of our bodies and without strength in it, we would not be able to function. It is great because once you start to concentrate on strengthening your spine, your posture will improve; your breathing will improve; you'll feel more positive; and you will start to use your spine correctly in everything you do. You will move well --- with poise --- and you will be more inclined to want to be more active. The benefits will continue to flow from there!

We all want to 'turn back the clock' and have that wonderfully flexible spine we had as youngsters ---the one we didn't appreciate at the time! Well, it really isn't too late to reverse some of the damage done and it definitely isn't too late to prevent further damage.

I suggest that you dedicate time everyday to working solely on your spine as YOUR THERAPY! Choose whatever discipline of exercise works for you and be strict with yourself about your exercise routine. Answer to yourself, knowing that it is YOU who will be reaping the benefits from this ritual. And likewise, YOU will suffer if you don't make the commitment. Record your exercise sessions in a diary or on a calendar and check that you are being diligent. Progress your exercises as you make improvements and reward yourself with something special when you notice improvements.

For signs of improvement in your spine health, you should be looking for:

1. Ability to bend over to pick something off the floor --- without pain
2. Ability to get in and out of the car without pain
3. Improved posture
4. Toned buttocks
5. Tighter 'core'
6. Controlled breathing
7. Happier disposition
8. Ability to move in bed without pain
9. Look taller!

Consider your spine to be the barometer of your health as you age. Be aware that if you don't put some attention onto it now and become a little obsessed by it --- it will definitely continue to deteriorate. So what have you got to lose? In all of the Actively Ageing DVD's you can learn specific spinal exercises, which are very easy to do, and how to set the correct posture for sitting, standing and moving. Make the commitment to yourself today before another day of spinal deterioration goes by!