Many people create spinal stress for themselves without being aware of doing so. One common source of this unnoticed spinal stress is driving with a "heavy foot" on the brake and accelerator pedals. This gives your spine a jerky start-and-stop ride. A related problem is needless working of the steering wheel, instead of driving in a straight or smoothly curving line (depending on the shape of the road). This gives your spine a jagged zigzag ride.

To counteract this source of stress, make a conscious effort to follow these spine-friendly driving guidelines:

1. Accelerate slowly and smoothly (except when safety demands a sudden burst of speed). 2. Decelerate slowly and smoothly (except when safety demands a sudden stop). 3. Work the steering wheel as little as possible, consistent with the demands of safety.

Here's an added benefit: spine-friendly driving is also earth-friendly driving. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov), following these guidelines can improve your gas mileage 5-33%. As a result, you will be reducing your emissions of greenhouse gasses and toxic air pollutants. You will also be helping your country reduce its dependence on oil imported from volatile parts of the world. At the same time, you will be saving money at the gas pump.

That's peace, prosperity, and planet, all in one spine-friendly package!

{ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charles Masarsky, D.C. completed his undergraduate studies in biological sciences at Cornell University before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at New York Chiropractic College in 1981. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a medical specialist. Dr. Masarsky is a postgraduate chiropractic lecturer, and has taught human anatomy and physiology at Northern Virginia Community College since 2003. His wife and partner - Marion Todres-Masarsky, D.C. - receivied her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from the University of Massachusetts/Boston. She also did graduate work in adult education at Rutgers University before completing her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at New York Chiropractic College in 1981. The doctors' professional publications have received recognition at the state and national levels. Their most recent major collaboration is the textbook, Somatovisceral Aspects of Chiropractic: An Evidence-Based Approach, released by the biomedical publishing house Churchill Livingstone in 2001. Drs. Masarsky and Todres have been in private practice in Vienna, Virginia (in the Washington, DC suburbs) since 1983. To read more of their health care articles, visit their website: http://www.neurologicalfitness.com. You may reproduce this article without prior permission, as long as you acknowledge Dr. Masarsky's authorship and include a link to our website, and as long as you are not selling it.}