Back to School Means Back to the Chiropractor

Healthy Spines Help Healthy Minds

The start of the school year is exciting—new teachers, new sports seasons, new routines. But for both parents and kids, it can also mean new challenges for the body.

From athletes jumping back into fall sports, to students carrying heavy backpacks and spending hours at desks or on devices, the school year can be tough on the spine.

Chiropractic care isn’t just for when you’re hurt—it’s for keeping your body strong, balanced, and ready to handle whatever the school year brings.

The Back-to-School Strain on Kids’ Bodies

Think about a typical student’s day:

• Carrying a backpack that can weigh 10–20% of their body weight

• Sitting at a desk for 6+ hours

• Spending extra time on tablets, laptops, or phones

• Jumping into sports practice after school

All of these add up to:

• Rounded shoulders

• Neck strain

• Back pain

• Fatigue

Fact: Poor posture can start to affect breathing, concentration, and even mood.

Heavy Backpacks: A Hidden Health Risk

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn incorrectly can pull kids backward, forcing them to lean forward and curve their spine. This creates muscle strain and joint stress.

Backpack Safety Tips:

• Keep weight to 10–15% of your child’s body weight

• Use both shoulder straps, not just one

• Choose wide, padded straps and a padded back panel

• Adjust straps so the pack sits in the middle of the back, not sagging low

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Quick Check:If your child leans forward or complains of back pain, the backpack is too heavy or not fitted correctly.

Tech Neck: The Digital Age Problem

Between online homework, social media, and gaming, kids (and parents) spend a lot of time looking down at screens. This forward head posture—often called “tech neck”—puts extra pressure on the neck and upper back.

Why It Matters:

• Can cause headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension

• May lead to long-term posture changes

• Puts strain on the spine similar to carrying a 20–30 pound weight

  
  

Simple Fix:Raise devices to eye level and take “posture breaks” every 20–30 minutes.

Chiropractic for Young Athletes

Fall sports—football, soccer, volleyball, cross country—are great for kids’ health, but they also increase the risk of strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.

How Chiropractic Helps Athletes:

• Keeps joints moving properly

• Improves balance and coordination

• Supports quicker recovery after games or practices

• Helps prevent injuries by correcting small problems before they get worse

When kids move better, they play better—and they stay in the game longer.

Parents Need Care Too

It’s not just the kids. Parents often feel the strain of back-to-school season:

• More time driving kids to and from school or practice

• More time sitting at games or working on the computer

• Less time for exercise and self-care

  
  

For parents, chiropractic can:

• Reduce back and neck pain from driving and desk work

• Improve posture

• Relieve tension headaches

• Boost energy and focus

  
  

Why Chiropractic Is a Back-to-School Essential

Chiropractic care isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about keeping the spine healthy so the nervous system works its best. A healthy spine supports better:

• Movement

• Focus

• Energy

• Recovery from stress and activity

  
  

Quick Tip Box:Think of chiropractic as a “maintenance plan” for your body—just like regular dental check-ups keep your teeth healthy, regular adjustments keep your spine and nervous system in top shape.

Simple At-Home Spine Savers

While regular chiropractic visits make a big difference, here are quick daily habits to protect your family’s spines:

• Backpack Check – Lighten the load and adjust straps every week.

• Movement Breaks – Stand, stretch, or walk every 30–45 minutes.

• Sports Warm-Ups – Gentle stretching before practice or games.

• Tech Time Limits – Encourage screen breaks and better posture.

  
  

The Payoff: Healthy, Happy School Year

When kids (and parents) start the school year with healthy spines, they:

• Have more energy

• Concentrate better

• Recover faster from sports

• Enjoy activities without nagging pain

  
  

Final Thoughts

The school year brings new opportunities—and new demands—on your body. From heavy backpacks to long hours at a desk to the intensity of fall sports, your spine is working hard every day.

Don’t wait for pain to start before taking care of your family’s health.

At Oasis Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Cottage Grove, we help both kids and parents start the school year in top shape. Whether it’s improving posture, preventing sports injuries, or easing daily aches, we’re here to help your family thrive.

📞 Call us today at 651-458-5565 or click here to contact us!