World Spine Day

What Is World Spine Day?

October 16th is "World Spine Day," an international day to promote spinal health and raise awareness of how to understand and prevent spinal disorders such as back and neck pain. It was established in 2012 by the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD), the predecessor of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health, and is led by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) with support from academic organizations around the world.

Protecting Your Spine Protects Your Daily Life

Spinal disorders such as back pain, neck pain, scoliosis, and disc problems can affect work, daily life, and even sleep. Many are thought to be preventable through changes in daily habits.

• Established:2012, by the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD)
• Lead organization:the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC)
• In Japan:events are run by the Japanese Association of Chiropractors, the WFC's member organization in Japan
• Related days:part of an action week that includes World Arthritis Day (October 12th) and World Osteoporosis Day (October 20th)

The 2015 Theme Was "Your Back at Work"

World Spine Day has a different theme each year: "Your Back at Work" in 2015 and "Get Spine Active" in 2019. Poor posture and lack of exercise have been pointed out as causes of back pain. For people who spend long hours at a desk, spinal health is a topic that directly affects work efficiency.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Stand up and stretch at least once an hour
• Adjust your chair height and monitor position to improve your posture
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk more
• Check whether your mattress and pillow suit your body

Sit Up Straight and Make It a Good Day

Your spine supports your body all day long. October 16th is a day to review your posture, move a little more, and start habits that care for your back.