It’s that time of year again! Students are heading back to school, with new goals, challenges, teachers, and learning opportunities. Parents are making sure their children have all the sharp pencils and two-pocket folders they’ll need for a successful school year.
Another thing you should consider is how you can support their back so they can do their best in the new school year. A healthy, well-adjusted spine helps students focus in the classroom, increases brain function, boosts their immunity, and fights back against back pain caused by heavy backpacks, and back to school chiropractic care ensures that you have all these details and more!
Choosing Backpacks for Spine Health
Back pain isn’t just reserved for adults anymore. Chiropractors are seeing more and more children whose heavy backpacks are causing them poor back health and pain. Fortunately, some simple steps can help prevent these problems. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re choosing a new backpack for the school year.
Kids will naturally gravitate to the color and style that they like but be sure the backpack they use is the right size. If it’s too small they’ll be more likely to sling it over one shoulder, causing an imbalance in the way their body carries the weight. This can stress some muscles and weaken others. If the pack is too big then they’ll be more likely to fill it up, making it heavier. Make sure the straps fit comfortably on both shoulders and tighten them enough, so they hold the backpack snugly against the body.
As much as possible, promote the use of lockers. The more books and supplies that can be stored instead of carried the better it is for your child’s back. For particularly heavy textbooks you can look into renting a second copy to keep at home, so they don’t have to lug it back and forth. For proper backpack health, kids shouldn’t carry more than 10 – 15% of their body weight. If you have any questions, bring the book bag to your local chiropractor to see if you are meeting back to school chiropractic care guidelines.
Classroom Chiropractic Health
Both teachers and students should consider how the classroom environment might be causing back pain. Both sitting and standing too long can stress the back, and sitting improperly is a classic cause of pain.
Parents should speak to their children’s teachers about ways to support spine health in the classroom. Teachers and students alike can take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around. The longer a child sits the more likely they are to slump in their seat, distorting the curves of their spine. Physical activity may seem like it would be disruptive, but it’s been shown to improve concentration, brain function, and mood. It even boosts immunity, which everyone will appreciate during the coming cold and flu season.
Improve Classroom Chiropractic Health
Taking thoughtful action to support your child’s spinal health will have benefits throughout the school year. Choosing a backpack that doesn’t strain their back and addressing the classroom environment can prevent pain that is distracting and undermines their learning.
Having a properly aligned spine helps everyone function at their best, and children are no exception. Subluxations not only cause discomfort, but they also impede neural signals throughout the body, which can cause a cascade of dysfunction. If your child is suffering from back pain they would probably benefit from a spinal adjustment. Children respond quickly to chiropractic care. When they are properly aligned it not only helps them in the classroom but also to grow to become the healthiest adults they can.
Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, we are here to help you achieve your best, most vibrant health. As the school year begins, take this back to school season as an opportunity for chiropractic care for your spine so you’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Contact your local chiropractor at 100% Chiropractic and see how great you can feel.
