As parents, we’ve all seen our kids hunching over some video game or slouching after a day’s work at school.
But this all-too-common view shouldn’t be the norm.
Poor posture affects many aspects of a child’s health. That is why, as chiropractors, we always remind parents to take bad posture seriously and seek help as early as possible.
You can improve your child’s posture with early intervention and the proper techniques.
Before that, let us first examine what having a good posture looks like and just how important it is.
What is posture?
Posture is simply the way we carry our bodies. It is the position in which we hold our bodies while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Proper posture results from the proper alignment of our body parts.
Made possible by the coordinated actions of the various muscle groups of our body, it is the primary way we maintain stability in our everyday lives.
Does having good posture really matter?
Yes! Inasmuch as good posture is an indicator of good health, having a bad posture can indicate poor lifestyle habits and even low self-esteem.
Bad posture can result in uneven weight distribution, pressure on the joints and increased muscle strains, leading to joint degeneration and spine arthritis, abnormal spine growth, and increased risk for arthritis and heart disease later in life.
Head and neck misalignments can lead to:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Vision or hearing problems
- Sinus or allergies
- Fatigue and/or irritability
- Trouble with focus
Uneven shoulder or rounded shoulders can contribute to:
- Asthma
- Upper and mid back pain
- Digestive problems
Pronation/supination of the foot can result in:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Tendonitis
Poor posture is on the rise.
Unfortunately, poor posture is increasingly becoming a modern-day epidemic.
From having to use heavy backpacks to go to school to staring at computer screens to attend virtual classes, a significant part of their every day puts them at risk for the development of postural problems.
Per the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a child carrying a load weighing more than 20% of his body weight can lead to severe spinal issues.
But the danger doesn’t stop after their backpack has been taken off.
Your child may be so used to leaning forward and tilting their necks upward to compensate for the excessive weight that they may begin to assume the posture even without it.
Other factors that may lead to bad posture in your child:
- Poor ergonomics of their study area
- Birth traumas
- Bad posture habits such as slouching when reading, improper carrying of heavy loads, and prolonged periods of looking down on mobile devices
- Sports injuries
- Mental stress
How to check if your child has bad posture
Fortunately, it’s quite easy to check for poor posture among children.
With them normally standing in front of a steady wall, having them close their eyes. Once in position, have them nod their head up and down, stopping at their neutral position.
Checking from the front first, look for the following:
- Head tilts to one side
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- Body slants to one side
- Feet or knees are rotated
Next, move to their side, and take note of the following:
- Ears not aligned with shoulders
- Shoulders rounded forwards
- Excessive low back curve
The slightest degree of postural imbalance can benefit from early detection and correction of spine problems.
How to help your child’s posture
With a clear picture of what a proper posture and a poor posture look like, here are some of the strategies you can use to protect your child’s spine and avoid muscle strain:
Lead by example
Be sure to sit and stand yourself properly. Your child will be better inclined to practice good posture when they can see someone walking (and sitting) the talk.
Give gentle reminders
Instead of reprimanding them when they slouch or hunch, gently remind them to sit or stand tall. Throwing in praise or two can also go a long way in reinforcing good behaviour.
Encourage them to stay active.
Physical activity can strengthen their back and shoulder muscles. This can help them hold the good posture longer.
Cut down screen time.
Limit their time using computers and watching TV to discourage slouching and prevent the development of tech neck.
Invest in a high-quality, child-sized ergonomic chair for their study area
With a proper chair, they can sit properly. This can also encourage them to stay put and avoid moving their homework to bed, where it’s usually more comfortable temporarily.
Reduce the schoolbag weight
Their backpack should stay within 10% of their entire body weight to prevent spinal problems. For children aged under 10, their backpacks should only comprise 5% of their body weight.
Furthermore, children should opt for a backpack with wide, comfortable straps and carry the bag on both shoulders to distribute the weight safely.
Seek the help of a chiropractor
Chiropractic care can help treat mild to severe postural imbalances, scoliosis, cervical kyphosis or tech neck, improperly healed injuries and more.
Good posture is waiting for your child at Elite Spine Centres’ Chiropractic Care
Our doctors are passionate about promoting good posture for everyone, especially children, using modern chiropractic and rehabilitation techniques and the latest generation of equipment for postural issues.
Ready to go on a wellness journey with our posture correction experts?
First-time patients get perks when they avail of our chiropractic care treatment!
Now you can begin your journey to good posture as hassle-free as possible. Set an appointment with us today.