I wish I didn’t have so much experience with kids and back pain. My friends and family are always surprised to hear how many kids I adjust regularly in my clinic. When I first started in chiropractic 16 years ago, it was rare that I could convince parents to bring their kids in to my office. Often now the child is a chiropractic patient before the parent is.
Why do kids have so much back pain? Let’s start with their big heavy back packs that don’t quite fit that they sling over one shoulder. While I frequently recommend smaller back packs, keeping more in your locker and roller bags, that isn’t always realistic. At the very least, be sure to wear a back pack with adjustable straps over both shoulders and the best scenario would be to use a waist strap too. Where do you get something like that? Try REI or another sporting goods store.
Just like any office worker, if you sit all day, it will cause back pain. My office chair has a lumbar support and a butt cushion. Most school desks I have seen have hard resin chairs with no padding. How can anyone be expected to sit quietly and calmly on that? That is one of the many reasons that varied physical activity is important for keeping your kids healthy and free of back pain. This doesn’t mean three hours of soccer practice every night year round. Variety in sports is important. The kids that do best and have the least pain and injuries are the ones that don’t get so focused on one sport. If your child is happy to settle for the B team because they are enjoying a variety of sports, be happy for them. Be proud that they are making a decision that will cause them less pain and injury in the future.
Chiropractic care has been shown over and over to be effective and safe for kids. If your child is struggling with back pain give a chiropractor a call.
For more information on spinal health for kids, check out this article from a chiropractor in Fort Worth They have a great website too with lots of great information. I would love to be your child's chiropractor and you can find more information out on my office here or book online here.