We all know we need to drink more water. It helps our skin, helps us lose weight, and... really that was enough for me. But did you know that it can also help with back pain?
According to the article Hydration and Back Health, drinking water can be a great alternative to other methods of relieving back pain.
I found it very interesting that we are 1/4 -1/2 inch shorter at the end of the day than when we wake up!! During the day our discs actually lose water.
I was also shocked to read that 75% of all Americans are chronically dehydrated. Some signs that you are dehydrated are "excessive thirst, day time fatigue, dry mouth, infrequent urination, changes in the color of urine, joint pain and non-specific pain in the low back."
Have you stopped reading to grab a glass of water yet?
Even if you are not thirsty you should drink water. Apparently as we age we don't have the same perception of thirst. And the older you are, the signs of dehydration are worse (constipation, back pain, kidney stones, arthritis and indigestion).
If you are like me and get busy and forget to drink water, try setting a timer or leaving a jug on your desk. Create little reminders to drink so you don't wait until your body is begging for it.
Now I am off to fill up my glass!
http://spinehealth.com/blog/hydration-water-intake-and-back-health/