It is getting to be that time of year again. The summer has come and gone so quickly for those students and teachers. Local Georgia schools are beginning another school year starting on August 1st. Going back to school is an exciting time for young children and can sometimes be a stressful time on parents. Here are some helpful tips for proper spinal hygiene for your children as they head back for another year of learning.
First of all, it isn’t uncommon for students to carry heavy backpacks nowadays. They are full of textbooks, planners, school supplies, and sometimes their lunch. Studies have shown that the weight of backpacks have actually been steadily increasing over the last several years. This isn’t a good thing. The more weight a child carries in their backpack, the more added stress it puts on their spine, specifically their neck and shoulder region and lower back. So, what is considered an acceptable weight? A typical backpack should weigh no more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight. For example, if your child weighs 100 pounds, the backpack should not exceed a maximum of fifteen pounds. Make sure that your child has what they need specifically for that day, but do not try to cram things for the entire week into the backpack.
Another helpful tip is to encourage your child to spend some time away from their phones. In today’s society, we are creatures of habit and are always on our phones. Usually, we see people sitting with a rounded posture in a chair and staring down at their phone or tablet screen. This is harmful to the cervical spine. It will cause a decrease in cervical curve which will alter the function in the spine. There is a condition known as “text neck” which is a result of the previously mentioned scenario. Additionally to text neck, individuals can develop a condition known as upper cross syndrome. This condition can develop from poor posture and improper body mechanics. Upper cross syndrome is caused by weakness in the cervical flexors, rhomboids and lower trapezius muscles as well as tightness in the suboccipitals, upper trapeizus, levator, and pectoral muscles. Upper cross syndrome can lead to tension headaches, increased neck pain, decreased ability to function when sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time, decreased energy, and more. This can be helped by visiting a local chiropractor for proper alignment of the spine and addressing the muscles mentioned above.
Lastly, getting regular chiropractic adjustments can help improve focus, strengthen the immune system, and monitor for conditions such as scoliosis, low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. It is important to be proactive with your child’s healthcare. Taking the proper steps to improve their spinal health will improve their overall state of health and optimum performance.
If you have any questions about how chiropractic can benefit your child, please feel free to call our office at 470-308-3754. We hope you find this helpful and have a wonderful start to the upcoming school year.
