3 Back-to-School Chiropractic Tips
The new school year is upon us! When it comes to being healthy in school, it’s very easy to dismiss the importance of chiropractic adjustments. But you’re smarter than that! Keep reading! Our family chiropractors want to provide some quick back-to-school chiropractic tips for you or your children.
1. Pay Attention to Backpacks
Back pain is common for several adults and children, but the weight of backpacks and how they are carried can greatly impact our backs! Carrying a heavy, misfitted backpack to school every day can be bad news for the spine and require chiropractic services to address, especially over time.
If your child complains about back pain this may be one of the reasons behind it. We recommend limiting the weight within the backpack along with carrying it correctly. Look for backpacks with ergonomic straps that are wide, comfortable, and preferably padded. Even though it may not be the “coolest” way, the backpack should fit close to the body with the straps as tight as feels comfortable. Encourage the use of both straps when they have them, or regularly rotating to each side it’s carried on when they don’t.
2. Focus on your Sitting Posture
If posture is off, sitting at a school desk for long hours five days a week can put enormous stress on the back. Slouched sitting allows tension to build up over time in the back, shoulders, and neck areas. When sitting at a desk, we recommend maintaining a straight posture with as little “slumping or slouching” as possible. It can be tough in the beginning but just like working out, your muscles will get stronger, and sitting upright won’t be so challenging. Of course, it’s even more important to get up and move as much as possible and not sit all day. We understand kids are limited on how often they can get up but after school encourage them to get out and move!
3. Prioritize Consistent Sleep
Every part of the body needs sleep to function properly! It’s no surprise that adequate and consistent sleep and chiropractic health go hand in hand. With busy schedules of after-school activities and other extracurriculars, getting enough sleep can often take a back seat. We recommend creating and sticking to a consistent bedtime every night along with sleeping more than eight hours per night (possibly even more when it comes to little ones since they’re growing so rapidly)!
Do you or your children need a quick checkup or adjustment before the school year starts? Contact us us today and let us improve your children’s long term chiropractic health!
