Back-to-school season is here! Time to say bid adieu to lazy summer days and usher in a brand-new school year. And between supply shopping, meeting new teachers, and adjusting to new schedules – this time of year is hectic. In the frenzy, it’s easy for your child’s health to take a back seat. Back-to-school jitters and germs test your child’s health emotionally and physically. So before your kiddo heads back to class, you may want to add chiropractic care to your back-to-school checklist.
In this article, we’ll cover five ways chiropractic care can be your secret weapon to a healthy start to the new school year.
Eases Stress
Back to school is an exciting but stressful time for students and parents alike. Going from the relaxing days of summer to sitting still for hours on end can be quite a shock for children.
Between schoolwork, exams, and extracurricular activities, back to school can be draining mentally… and physically. Waking up early, learning new routines, and adjusting to new classes can be overwhelming for kids.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in. Chiropractic treatments, like spinal adjustments, relieve physical tension and restore balance to the nervous system. This can calm any stress and anxieties that come with back to school.
Enhances Posture & Relieves Pain
In modern life, ‘text neck’ has become the norm. Many kids today spend their leisure time hunched over computers, tablets, and smartphones. And at school, it’s common for children to spend hours slouched over a desk doing classwork.
These poor posture habits cause discomfort and over time lead to neck pain, back pain, and even headaches. And when you’re in pain, it’s hard to concentrate on math problems, let alone ace the test.
Backpacks can also take a toll on your child’s spine. Backpacks that are too heavy or worn incorrectly can set the stage for back pain, and posture problems. But by practicing good backpack safety, you can protect your child’s spine and prevent future pain and injuries.
Here are a few backpack safety tips to keep in mind as your kids head back to class:
- Backpacks shouldn’t exceed 10-15% of your child’s weight. Ask your child to only pack items necessary for that day to keep things light.
- Choose a backpack that has two wide, padded shoulder straps. If it has a padded back too, even better!
- Always wear both shoulder straps. This helps distribute the backpack’s weight across the back.
- Tighten the straps so they’re snug against the back. The backpack shouldn’t go too far below your child’s backside.
- Pack heavier items closest to the body and lighter items on top.
If heavy backpacks or poor posture habits are causing your child pain, chiropractic care can help. Spinal adjustments get the spine in proper alignment, which may loosen tight muscles and relieve pain. Fixing posture issues now helps prevent bigger problems down the line.
Boosts Immunity
Heading back to school gives your family’s immune system a workout. Crowded classrooms, buses, and cafeterias expose kids to a multitude of germs. And they bring those viruses and bugs home – to you.
While it’s impossible to dodge every little illness, investing in preventative care makes it less likely your child will get sick. Eating a nutritious diet and getting plenty of rest is crucial to keep your child’s defenses strong.
Chiropractic care can also give your child’s immune system a boost so they can battle those bugs effectively. As mentioned, chiropractic care helps the nervous system work properly. And when your child’s nerves function well, their immune system can do its job better.
Regular chiropractor visits may mean fewer sick days throughout the school year, for your child… and you!
Improves Sleep
Sleep often takes a back seat in the hustle and bustle of back-to-school. But quality sleep is key to setting your child’s school year up for success. Sleep affects your child’s mood, immune function, and ability to learn and form new memories.
Children who get enough sleep have better concentration, focus, and academic performance than those who don’t. Not to mention, poor sleep puts children at increased risk of injuries, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues.
But between homework, after-school activities, and busy schedules, sleep can be a struggle for many kids and teens. For many, back-to-school season leads to restless nights and foggy mornings.
Luckily chiropractic care can help. When the spine is in proper alignment, it relaxes the nervous system, which can improve sleep quality. And when your child wakes up well-rested, they’ll be happier, more relaxed, and better focused throughout the day.
Supports Athletic Performance
For many students, back to school means athletics are back in session. And if your child or teen spent a lot of time indoors over the summer, this transition can be hard on their bodies.
Sports practices and games bring an increased risk of injuries, especially if your child’s spine is misaligned. Spinal misalignments restrict the range of motion, which can cause muscles to become overly tight. This can increase the risk of strain, sprains, and injuries.
But when your spine is in proper alignment, it helps restore normal joint movement, reducing the risk of future injuries. Whether your child’s sport is football, soccer, baseball, or cheerleading, regular care can support their strength, mobility, and flexibility so they perform their best all season long.
Get a Healthy Kickstart to the School Year with Chiropractic Care in Orland Park, IL
Ready to start the new school year off on a healthy note? Then it’s time to book your child’s back-to-school chiropractic check-up.
Getting your child’s spine properly aligned can calm their nerves and bolster their immune system as they head back to class. So if you live in the Chicago area, and are ready to set the new school year up for success, follow these steps:
- Contact us with questions.
- Book your child’s visit with our holistic chiropractor here.
- Discover how Anchored in Health can support your family’s health and well-being this back-to-school season.
Other Holistic Health Services Offered in Orland Park, IL
At Anchored in Health, we offer a variety of alternative health services to help your family feel their best. This includes therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and the Shaped Reclaimed program. We also offer functional medicine, thermography, and genetic testing to get to the root cause of any health concerns.
So if you live in the Chicago area, contact us to find out how we can help your family stay healthy all year long.