Chiropractic Advice for Every Student
By Brandi Goodman
School is just around the corner for many students. August is even considered Back to School Month, with a goal to get teachers, students, and parents alike prepared for the school year. Some chiropractic advice should be considered during this time so all kids, teens, and young adults know how to keep their backs pain-free and aches out of their system.
Sit With Proper Posture
It can be easy to start slouching at your desk when you're bored, tired, or just sick of sitting. Doing so can result in pain, though. You need to sit with proper posture so your spine stays properly aligned and straight. Slouching frequently can cause a hump to form, particularly at the base of your neck, or leave an ache along one side of your body.
Stretch Often
Most of a school day consists of sitting. Sitting for long periods can leave your body stiff and sore. You need to be sure you're stretching regularly if you hope to keep your joints limber and your body feeling good. Stretch while you sit, leaning back in your chair, reaching your arms toward the sky, and raising each leg and lowering it a few times. You need to get the blood flowing. When you have breaks between classes or at lunch, stretch even better.
Strengthen Your Back
A strong back is much better at avoiding discomfort. You should work on strengthening your back when possible so you have a better ability to maintain posture and stay upright. Exercises such as the bridge and lying lateral leg lifts are ideal for this purpose.
Put Your Backpack Over Both Shoulders
Too many kids -- and even adults -- throw a backpack over just one shoulder. You should never do this. Doing so allows all the weight to sit on one side of your body, throwing off your posture and causing an ache in that area. You need to put your backpack over both shoulders and wear it properly so the weight is evenly distributed. It will prevent pain for your back and shoulders.
School is already hard enough with tests to take, grades to consider, and social interactions not always easy. Don't let pain be a problem as well. Keep this chiropractic advice in mind so you can enjoy a pain-free school year that doesn't result in an aching back and shoulders far before the end of it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.