Solitude | 2024
The Importance of Spine Health : Dr Kate Harmsen
Spine health perhaps is the least of our worry until we feel the back pain. We discussed the importance of keeping our spine healthy through daily habits & exercises specifically yoga with chiropractor and yoga teacher Dr. Kate Harmsen and her holistic approach to spine health.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am Dr Kate Harmsen, I’m a chiropractor based in Narrabeen, Vital Chiropractic. In addition to my chiropractic work, I’m a yoga teacher at Virgin Active in St Leonards and Northern Beaches. I’m passionate about holistic health and movement, and I love helping people build strong, balanced bodies. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time outdoors—I love surfing, soaking up the sun, and reading. These activities keep me grounded and inspired, and they help me connect with the lifestyle I encourage my clients to pursue.
How do you approach spine health in your chiropractic practice
As a chiropractor, I view the spine as the foundational structure of the body. It provides essential support, protects the nervous system, and allows efficient communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spine isn’t moving properly, it can lead to more than just physical discomfort. Misalignments can disrupt the nervous system, affect organ function, and even influence our psychological well-being. My approach is to assess and correct these misalignments to restore optimal movement and balance in the spine, helping support overall health and vitality.
What is a common issue or concern you see with your patients
A common issue I see with patients is poor posture, especially related to long hours spent sitting or working at a desk. This often leads to spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, and strain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Many people don’t realise how much their posture can affect not only their physical comfort but also their overall health. Over time, poor alignment can lead to issues like chronic pain, tension headaches, or even digestive problems. I focus on helping patients become more aware of their posture and work with them on exercises and adjustments that can support better alignment and prevent these issues.
How can utilising yoga benefit your spine health
Yoga is a fantastic complement to spine health because it brings together physical movement, awareness, and breath. First, it encourages body movement awareness, which helps people recognise and correct postural imbalances. Through yoga, we learn how to engage and stabilise the core, align the spine, and balance muscle use, all of which contribute to a stronger, healthier back.
Yoga also promotes movement in multiple directions and combinations of directions. The spine is meant to bend, twist, and extend, and yoga incorporates all of these movements in a controlled and safe way. This diversity in movement keeps the spine flexible, improves range of motion, and prevents stiffness that can come from repetitive patterns.
Finally, yoga has a powerful effect on the nervous system. By focusing on the breath and calming the mind, we can activate the body’s relaxation response, which soothes the nervous system and reduces muscle tension. This holistic approach—combining movement, alignment, and breath—can be transformative for spinal health and overall well-being.
What are your tips to prevent back pain & premature posture
To prevent back pain and maintain healthy posture, it's essential to build a foundation of body awareness and daily healthy habits. Start by tuning into your movements and posture throughout the day. Notice areas that feel tight, restricted, or uncomfortable, and incorporate simple rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility and balance. Movement itself is crucial for spine health, so try to stay active with gentle stretching, walking, or exercise, which will keep your spine mobile and help reduce stiffness.
Basic lifestyle factors are also incredibly important; maintaining a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and good sleep support overall wellness and allow the body to heal and perform at its best. Additionally, calming activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing help to relax the nervous system, alleviating muscle tension and promoting better posture.
If you work at a desk, take frequent breaks—stand up, stretch, or walk for a few minutes every 30 minutes. These small movements make a big difference in relieving postural stress. Finally, regular visits to a chiropractor can help address any spinal misalignments and prevent back pain before it starts. A chiropractor can also provide tailored advice to help you maintain good posture and spine health.
Dr Kate Harmsen
Chiropractor & Certified Yoga Teacher
BChiro.Sc | M.Chiro | 200RYT
Book a session with Dr. Kate