Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important to maintaining soft tissue elasticity and fluidity in joints, Coffey says. Our intervertebral (spinal) discs are vulnerable to loss of hydration and can begin to lose height. As the discs begin to shrink, you are more vulnerable to painful disc conditions such as bulging or ruptures. In addition, as the spine begins to lose its protective padding, it further contributes to the loss of structural health, she says.