Back to School Without Back Pain
By Virginia Laird
With summer quickly coming to an end, it is time to begin thinking about back-to-school life. For those with students who are required to carry numerous books around, it is vital to begin considering ways to prevent the inevitable back pain. Although such a task may be the norm for the majority of students across the country, chiropractors suggest this daunting chore can cause permanent damage to the spine. Preventative measures are the best way to help your student manage the pain and prevent future issues that may arise. Things to consider include:
- Invest in a good backpack
- Routine visits to the chiropractor
- Daily routines that allow for plenty of sleep
Invest in a Good Backpack
When it comes time to carry around the heavy books that school may require, it is paramount to select a good backpack. Ideally a backpack with wheels would keep all the weight off the student's back. However, many schools have rules against such bags and some students refuse to use such bags as they could be considered uncool. If this choice is not on your child's list, a backpack with two straps for distributing the load is best. These straps should be able to be adjusted in order to fit each child. Chiropractors recommend helping your student adjust the straps so that the backpack is fit snug to the back. The straps should be at least two inches wide.
Routine Visits to the Chiropractor
Another thing to consider for your student is routine visits to the chiropractor. A chiropractor can offer adjustments to the spine which can keep pain at bay. As backpacks tug on the back, they can cause the spine to move, restricting function. Chiropractors can restore this function and help prevent damage to the structure of the spine.
Daily Routines that Allow for Plenty of Sleep
It is never too early to begin a daily routine that will allow for plenty of sleep. Getting enough rest can play a vital role in the body's ability to repair itself from the damage it may have sustained from various activities each day. Chiropractors suggest sleep to be far more important to one's health than many believe. More often, students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep. Sleep not only allows the body to repair itself, it is vital for the brain to function as well. Behind every great student is a good night of sleep.
To get your student started on the path to a pain-free backpack life, visit The Joint Chiropractic in your local community.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plymouth, MN.