Protect Your Back from Back-to-School Pain

By Brandi Swieter 

Students heading back to school or who have recently started should be sure to find some ways to prevent pain. Carrying a bag filled with heavy books, sitting at an uncomfortable desk for most of the day, and hunching over to do work are just a few of the reasons students tend to experience back pain when they head back to school. Learn to protect the back and spine by following a few tips to make the school year more bearable.

Fill Your Bag Lightly

It’s important to fill a backpack lightly and not overdo it. A bag packed full of heavy books will weigh down the shoulders and cause unnecessary discomfort. Students should be sure to use their lockers in-between classes to switch out books so they are only taking the ones they need with them. When it comes time to head home, only the necessary books required for homework should be packed. This will save stress on the spine.

Stretch During Class

Sitting at an uncomfortable desk for hours, even with a few breaks in-between, can be painful. Students should be sure to stretch during their classes so they can keep their bodies flexible and able to handle the pressure. Some simple seated stretches will help some, such as rolling the shoulders backward and then forward or flexing the feet upwards and then back down. Getting the muscles moving and the blood flowing will be a huge help for pain relief.

Sit Straight

Too many students sit hunched over their desks while they work. This poor posture can quickly lead to back and neck pain. It’s important for anyone who spends time sitting to sit straight with the shoulders back. This prevents significant pain at the top of the back and in the shoulders, and also helps to maintain posture. Anyone finding themselves slouched in their seats or hunched over should stretch out their necks, shoulders, and backs to get relief before sitting back up straight again.

Any students still experiencing pain should visit The Joint Chiropractic after class. The available walk-in hours at the more than 400 locations ensure anyone in need of an assessment and potential pain relief can get what they’re looking for at the time. Always be sure to follow these tips to keep school as painless as possible.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.

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