As parents, we worry so much about our children’s physical and mental health but often, we forget to focus on back health too. Research conducted by the\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association shows that more than half of younger Canadians experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years. So what are we to do to help our kids? What steps can we take to minimize the pain and issues that\u00a0may arise from poor back management?<\/p>\n
![\"backpain-first-day-of-school\"](\"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/backpain-first-day-of-school--1024x949.jpg\")
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Solutions to alleviate\u00a0back pain and injury<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe first step is to identify the source. A number of things could be affecting your child\u2019s back health, including carrying a heavy backpack, failing to properly warm up for sports, hunching over a computer screen or simply having poor posture. Here are some tips provided by the Ontario Chiropractic Association on relieving and preventing back pain and injury for your kid at home, in school and at play. If they have poor posture or are experiencing discomfort related to it, click here<\/a> to get in touch with a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can provide exercises and advice to improve their posture.<\/p>\nTips for carrying their backpack<\/strong><\/h4>\nSimilar to most women who carry big, heavy purses, kids may also feel the burden of a heavy backpack. Carrying a heavy, uneven load can result in muscle strain, back pain and even nerve damage. It’s not too late to get a\u00a0backpack that is lightweight, comes with adjustable straps and plenty of pockets to evenly distribute the weight. Also keep in mind that your kids\u2019 pack should weigh no more than 10 to 15 per cent of their body weight!<\/p>\n
![\"backpain-backpacks\"](\"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/backpain-backpacks-1024x833.jpg\")
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Tips for Screen time<\/strong><\/h4>\nWhether we like it or not, kids use (and love) technology as much as we adults do too. While fun and exciting, using phones and computers can lead to neck strain, headaches and shoulder pain (I know it does for me). Next time your child plays with their favourite device, remind them to hold the tablet or phone even with eye level, take frequent breaks and to maintain good posture.<\/p>\n
![\"backpain-3-boys-screen-time\"](\"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/backpain-3-boys-screen-time-1024x768.jpg\")
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Tips for proper posture<\/strong><\/h4>\nSitting, when done incorrectly, can put a strain on our lower back, decrease blood flow to the muscles and accelerate fatigue (perhaps one of the reasons why our kids are always zonked out when they come home from school). Teach your kids to\u00a0practice \u201cactive sitting\u201d by keeping their feet flat on the ground with the back straight, shoulders squared and ears in-line with the shoulders.<\/p>\n
Tips for playing sports<\/strong><\/h4>\nWarm ups! I always disliked doing them, but I never realized how important they are, especially to maintain good back health! Stretching increases flexibility and allows the joints to move through a full range of motion, reducing the risk of injury. Remind your kid to do a few warm up exercises (like a light jog) and stretches to ensure their body is ready for play. This helps warm up their body’s temperature and prepares their\u00a0muscles for physical activity.<\/p>\n
![\"backpain-kyle-backpack\"](\"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/backpain-kyle-backpack-731x1024.jpg\")
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To get additional tips, make sure you visit\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>for more information on bones, muscles, joints and the central nervous system, and as a resource to find a local chiropractor if needed.<\/p>\n
Tips for carrying their backpack<\/strong><\/h4>\nSimilar to most women who carry big, heavy purses, kids may also feel the burden of a heavy backpack. Carrying a heavy, uneven load can result in muscle strain, back pain and even nerve damage. It’s not too late to get a\u00a0backpack that is lightweight, comes with adjustable straps and plenty of pockets to evenly distribute the weight. Also keep in mind that your kids\u2019 pack should weigh no more than 10 to 15 per cent of their body weight!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tips for Screen time<\/strong><\/h4>\nWhether we like it or not, kids use (and love) technology as much as we adults do too. While fun and exciting, using phones and computers can lead to neck strain, headaches and shoulder pain (I know it does for me). Next time your child plays with their favourite device, remind them to hold the tablet or phone even with eye level, take frequent breaks and to maintain good posture.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tips for proper posture<\/strong><\/h4>\nSitting, when done incorrectly, can put a strain on our lower back, decrease blood flow to the muscles and accelerate fatigue (perhaps one of the reasons why our kids are always zonked out when they come home from school). Teach your kids to\u00a0practice \u201cactive sitting\u201d by keeping their feet flat on the ground with the back straight, shoulders squared and ears in-line with the shoulders.<\/p>\n
Tips for playing sports<\/strong><\/h4>\nWarm ups! I always disliked doing them, but I never realized how important they are, especially to maintain good back health! Stretching increases flexibility and allows the joints to move through a full range of motion, reducing the risk of injury. Remind your kid to do a few warm up exercises (like a light jog) and stretches to ensure their body is ready for play. This helps warm up their body’s temperature and prepares their\u00a0muscles for physical activity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To get additional tips, make sure you visit\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>for more information on bones, muscles, joints and the central nervous system, and as a resource to find a local chiropractor if needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nWhether we like it or not, kids use (and love) technology as much as we adults do too. While fun and exciting, using phones and computers can lead to neck strain, headaches and shoulder pain (I know it does for me). Next time your child plays with their favourite device, remind them to hold the tablet or phone even with eye level, take frequent breaks and to maintain good posture.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tips for proper posture<\/strong><\/h4>\nSitting, when done incorrectly, can put a strain on our lower back, decrease blood flow to the muscles and accelerate fatigue (perhaps one of the reasons why our kids are always zonked out when they come home from school). Teach your kids to\u00a0practice \u201cactive sitting\u201d by keeping their feet flat on the ground with the back straight, shoulders squared and ears in-line with the shoulders.<\/p>\n
Tips for playing sports<\/strong><\/h4>\nWarm ups! I always disliked doing them, but I never realized how important they are, especially to maintain good back health! Stretching increases flexibility and allows the joints to move through a full range of motion, reducing the risk of injury. Remind your kid to do a few warm up exercises (like a light jog) and stretches to ensure their body is ready for play. This helps warm up their body’s temperature and prepares their\u00a0muscles for physical activity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To get additional tips, make sure you visit\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>for more information on bones, muscles, joints and the central nervous system, and as a resource to find a local chiropractor if needed.<\/p>\n
Warm ups! I always disliked doing them, but I never realized how important they are, especially to maintain good back health! Stretching increases flexibility and allows the joints to move through a full range of motion, reducing the risk of injury. Remind your kid to do a few warm up exercises (like a light jog) and stretches to ensure their body is ready for play. This helps warm up their body’s temperature and prepares their\u00a0muscles for physical activity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To get additional tips, make sure you visit\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>for more information on bones, muscles, joints and the central nervous system, and as a resource to find a local chiropractor if needed.<\/p>\n