5 Surprising Habits That Could Be Sabotaging Your Spine - Tips From Your Toronto Chiropractor

Your spine is the backbone—literally—of your entire body. It supports movement, protects your nervous system, and plays a key role in your overall health and posture. But despite its importance, many of us are unknowingly harming our spines with everyday habits. If you're between the ages of 25 and 40 and living a fast-paced lifestyle, it's easy to fall into these patterns. At The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre, we're here to help you spot these spine-sabotaging habits and correct them through expert chiropractic care.

Whether you're searching for a chiropractor Toronto, looking for the best chiropractor in Toronto, or simply googling "chiropractor near me," this guide will show you what to avoid—and how chiropractic can help get your spine back on track.

Habit #1: Sleeping on the Couch

We get it—sometimes crashing on the couch after a long day feels amazing. But your sofa is not designed to support your spine. Sleeping in this awkward position often leads to spinal misalignments, neck stiffness, and lower back pain.

Why it's a problem: Couches rarely support your spine’s natural curves. Sleeping on them can cause muscle imbalances and even lead to long-term postural issues.

Chiropractic solution: Regular chiropractic adjustments help correct misalignments caused by poor sleeping posture. Your Toronto chiropractor can also recommend better sleeping positions and ergonomic pillows for healthier rest.

Habit #2: Crossing Your Legs

It might feel natural or even polite, but sitting with crossed legs—especially for extended periods—can distort pelvic alignment and strain the lower spine.

Why it's a problem: Crossing your legs throws your hips out of balance, tightens certain muscles, and puts pressure on your lumbar spine.

Chiropractic solution: At The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre, we perform posture assessments to identify these imbalances and offer chiropractic care to realign your pelvis and spine. We also provide tips on how to sit with better alignment throughout the day.

Habit #3: Slouching in Transit

Whether you're on a packed TTC train or stuck in traffic, it’s tempting to slouch. But doing so—even for short periods—adds stress to your spine, especially your cervical and thoracic regions.

Why it's a problem: Slouching compresses the spine, reduces oxygen flow, and can lead to "tech neck," headaches, and upper back pain.

Chiropractic solution: Our chiropractor in Toronto can help realign your spine and reduce tension caused by poor posture. We also educate our patients on spine-friendly commuting positions and posture resets you can do throughout your day.

Habit #4: Skipping Warm-Ups Before Exercise

When you're short on time, warm-ups are often the first thing to go. But skipping this crucial step can leave your spine vulnerable to injury, especially during high-impact activities.

Why it's a problem: Without a warm-up, your muscles are tight, your joints aren't lubricated, and your spine doesn’t have the support it needs to move safely. You are much more likely to injure yourself if you do not warmup before exercise!

Chiropractic solution: Our care at The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre includes not just chiropractic adjustments, but warmup and cooldown stretching recommendations tailored to your body. We show you how to warm up, stretch properly, and protect your spine before and after physical activity.

Habit #5: Sitting for Hours Without a Break

This one might seem obvious, but it remains one of the most damaging habits for your spine. Desk jobs, remote work, and endless screen time can lead to prolonged sitting without movement.

Why it's a problem: Sitting for long periods compresses your spinal discs, weakens core muscles, and encourages poor posture. Over time, this can cause chronic pain and even nerve compression.

Chiropractic solution: As a leading downtown Toronto chiropractor, Dr. Matthew Hannikainen creates custom care plans to relieve pain caused by prolonged sitting. He also provides practical ergonomic advice and desk-friendly stretches to keep your spine healthy throughout the day. Make sure you are getting up and moving AT LEAST every 30 minutes and moving around for a minimum of 3-5 minutes before sitting back down.

How Our Chiropractor Can Support a Healthier Spine

Chiropractic care is a natural, effective way to correct your spine from these daily bad habits. At The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre, we focus on correcting alignment so that you can get back to enjoying life!

What to Expect:

• A complete spinal and postural evaluation

• Corrective chiropractic adjustments

• Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations

• Custom exercises to support your spine

Why Choose The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre?

If you’re searching for your next chiropractor in Toronto, look no further. Located in the heart of downtown, our clinic is friendly, inviting, and focused on real results. Dr. Matthew Hannikainen brings years of experience and a passion for helping people to take charge of their health.

• Personalized care for your unique lifestyle

• Natural treatment without drugs or surgery

• A welcoming, friendly and vibrant clinic environment

• Focused on long-term health and spinal wellness

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Book Your Spine Check Today

Everyday habits can have a big impact on your spinal health—but with the right care, you can undo the damage and feel your best. Let us help you rebuild a better foundation for your health.

Book an appointment today at The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre with Dr. Matthew Hannikainen—your trusted source for chiropractic care and your next chiropractor in Toronto.

Call us at 416-504-8880 to see what makes us so unique!