Fall Back-to-School & Chiropractic Care
The proper development of the spine is directly linked to the physical activities that the body encounters during its growth. The younger the child, the greater the ability of the body to modify patterns and behaviors in response to changes in the environment. This is due to the incredible power of neuroplasticity!
As parents, our mission is to support the development of our children in all their stages. We are responsible for their lives and their evolution since birth. So let’s set our kids up for success!
It is important to know that children are more vulnerable to postural changes in their spine. This is the reason why early attention and prevention it's so important.
During their time at school, our children are lifting heavy backpacks, getting used to unhealthy postural habits, using just one shoulder for all their belongings, and sitting for longer times, among other things that as parents we may think it's the usual, but does not mean is healthy.
There is evidence suggesting that continuous load due to extremely heavy backpacks over time can cause nerve compression, back pain, and spinal deviations such as scoliosis. The body has to compensate for the change in its center of gravity caused by the added weight of the backpack. The spine can be affected as it twists and bends to reposition this backpack weight.
More than 40 million students in North America carry their backpacks to school. Almost half of these kids, which is around 20 million, carry more than the recommended weight. According to the newest research, poor posture and prolonged weight bearing above what is recommended in young children can cause cervical, lumbar, shoulder, knee, and hip pain.
As chiropractors we see children complaining of headaches, and neck, back, and shoulder pain. As mentioned above, studies have shown a direct connection between these complaints to overloaded and poorly equipped backpacks. Here at Revolution Chiropractic, we care about your entire family and we love to help your kids enjoy a healthy lifestyle through gentle chiropractic care.
Also, it is essential to be on the lookout and adopt preventive measures for the correct formation and posture of the body, especially for children who are sitting at school for many hours. Teachers, stand up and stretch with your students for at least 1 minute every hour!
The nervous system is the most important body's communication pathway. The brain sends messages through the spinal cord, through the nerves, to every cell, tissue, structure, organ, and system, and the body also communicates with the brain through the same neurological pathway. You live and experience your life through this nervous system. The better your nervous system works, the better your body will be prepared for a solid foundation of health. This is the same answer for someone who is 1 month old or 75 years old. That's the primary reason why we adjust your whole family!
Now that our children have been in school for a few weeks let's remember some basic information that will set them up for long-term success at school:
Light load no more than 10% or 15% of body weight
backpack with wide straps
backpack with hip and chest belts
backpack should be closer to the body
avoid heavy objects, leave those at school, talk to their teachers
Stretches for 1-3 minutes every hour or 2 hours
As always, know that we are here to help you and your loved ones! If you are part of our community, we can't wait to see you back for your routine chiropractic care and if you are new to this website and you're here in Jacksonville we invite you to come and visit us!
