In Celebration of National Wellness Month

Aging Well Starts with Spinal Health

National Wellness Month isn't just for fitness buffs or green smoothie drinkers—it's for everyone, especially those in their golden years who want to enjoy life fully, freely, and on their own terms. Staying active and independent as we age doesn't require perfect genes or a lifetime of yoga. It requires intention. And one of the most overlooked areas of intentional health for seniors? Spinal care.

The spine is more than just a stack of bones—it's the command center for balance, stability, and mobility. When your spine is aligned and supported, your body moves more easily, your nerves communicate more clearly, and daily tasks feel less taxing. But when spinal health starts to slip—slowly, subtly—it often becomes harder to stand tall, move confidently, or recover from even minor strain.

Celebrating National Wellness Month with Dr. Larry Burks, The Upper Cervical Clinic – Portland, OR

Wellness Starts with Movement

You can eat clean, hydrate like it's your job, and sleep on a mattress made of clouds—but if your body isn't moving well, your wellness picture is missing a major piece. August is National Wellness Month, and while the word "wellness" often gets tossed around in marketing slogans and gym ads, it's worth taking a closer look at what it really means. True wellness is about how your body feels, functions, and supports the life you want to live. And at the foundation of all that? Mobility.

There's something different about moving your body outside. It's not the kind of rush you get from a workout class or the calorie count on a fitness app, but the kind that clears your head and makes your joints feel like they're working with you, not against you.

July marks National Parks and Recreation Month, and while you won't find me handing out participation ribbons, it's the perfect reminder that wellness isn't always found inside a clinic. Sometimes, it starts with lacing up a pair of good shoes, walking out the front door, and letting gravity do its thing, one step at a time.

You probably don't give your shoes much thought—until your feet hurt. But what if the shoes you slip on each morning are doing more than cushioning your soles? What if they're quietly shaping the health of your spine, your posture, and how your entire body moves through the day?

Footwear may seem like a minor detail in the big picture of health, but for those of us who specialize in spinal alignment, it's a daily conversation. As an upper cervical chiropractor, I've seen the ripple effect that begins with poorly designed or worn-out shoes. That ache in your lower back after a walk? Is the tension in your neck by mid-afternoon? Sometimes, it all starts with the wrong support underfoot.

Having a desk job is somewhat of a mixed bag. It comes with perks like a consistent paycheck and the joy of working in sweatpants (at least for remote workers). But a desk job also comes with a darker side. Sitting for hours every day can wreak havoc on your spine, leading to chronic pain, poor posture, and an unshakable bond with the nearest bottle of ibuprofen.

June is National Safety Month, so there's no better time to tackle this often-overlooked health issue. If you've been ignoring those neck twinges or lower back aches, it's time to make a change.

The good news? There are fairly simple ways you can protect your spine and prevent long-term issues without quitting your day job or becoming a yoga guru. Let's break it down.

June is National Safety Month, and it's dedicated to healthier, safer lifestyles. While this might conjure up images of seatbelts and non-slip shoes, there's one safety aspect that often goes unnoticed but is just as essential: good posture. How you sit, stand, and move doesn't just affect how you look. It can protect your health, increase your energy, and even improve your emotional well-being.

At The Upper Cervical Clinic, Dr. Larry Burks has seen how chronic poor posture can contribute to significant health issues, from back and neck pain to a compromised nervous system. The good news? It's never too late to make a change.