The annual arrival of fall accompanies children returning to school. Many families choose this time to reestablish and recommit to basic daily routines. Bedtimes, wake-up times, and activity schedules produce a set of norms for families and children. Detailed attention to health also requires a routine in order to flourish, including basic spinal screening for scoliosis.

Changes to the Routine

Summertime tends to have its own set of norms and routines ranging from nutrition to quantities and qualities of sleep patterns. A return to school produces the perfect time to invest in some healthy habits for every member of the family. Parents tend to stay cognizant of getting annual physicals and dental checkups on the calendar. However, spinal hygiene may very well be the most important health concern of all. A basic scoliosis screening by a school nurse represents a tiny fraction of investment into a physical area deserving of so much more attention. Studies prove that a direct link exists between spinal asymmetries and whole-body health. A return to school accompanies new activities, new backpacks, and new periods of seated learning.  This presents a long list of reasons to ensure that every child’s spinal health empowers them to have a great year full of abundant health.

What is the importance of the spine?

The purpose of the spine goes well beyond the structure. Research explains that when a spinal vertebra moves incorrectly or becomes misaligned, a cascade of pathways triggers adversely in the spinal cord and nervous system. The alteration in the spine and nerve pathways, known as vertebral subluxation, predisposes a child or adult to several organic health problems as well as the progressive condition called scoliosis. Scoliosis identifies as a condition where the spine becomes increasingly curved and deformed. Scoliosis comes in all degrees but can be very progressive in young children.

A 2000 study showed that even subtle changes to the health of the spine puts stress on the nervous system and sets the stage for scoliotic curves to form. The biggest factor in preventing or treating scoliosis comes from early detection. Scoliosis progresses with an absence of symptoms. Much like high blood pressure and cavities, the presentation of symptoms comes long after a detrimental condition exists.

Understanding the development of scoliosis empowers parents with the purpose

Chiropractic care provides an opportunity to proactively attend to a young person’s overall health in both the spine and organs. Spinal health plays a tremendous role in longevity and quality living and tends to be frequently overlooked by medical professionals until a severe condition like scoliosis begins showing symptoms. The return to school serves as an annual reminder to get children back into healthy routines and norms. Regular spinal checkups sit atop the pyramid of a proactive healthy routine. Children, infants, and adults all receive an active benefit to long term health through preventative care provided by proactive maintenance of the body. Chiropractic care positively impacts health, growth, and long-term quality of life. Make Chiropractic part of the back to school routine.

The post Back to School, Bedtimes, Schedules, and Health…. Chiropractic Offers Big Advantages first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

It is the end of summer and children returning to school represents a time for check-ups and annual measurements. Children usually take an annual trip to a physician for baseline monitoring of blood pressure, heart, and physical wellness. Older student-athletes undergo mandatory physicals to participate in athletics and activities.  They also receive guidance on nutrition, training, exercise, and sport-specific issues.

What about Chiropractic as the kids go back to school?

These annual exams represent the same reasons a parent would take their children to a Chiropractor for an evaluation. The health and wellness of the family begins with preventative measures. Prevention is designed to maintain health through proactive measures which actively prevent the onset of sickness, disease, and injury. The same parents who invest such care in pediatric and athletic exams often overlook the importance of spine and nervous system care. Preventative care plans begin with Chiropractic.

How does chiropractic help children and how does it pertain to back to school?

The spine intimately connects to the function of the brain and nervous system. Also it regulates the overall health of the body. A misaligned spine that does not move appropriately alters feedback in the central nervous system. This will set off a cascade of hormones that lead to or contribute to unwanted symptoms that present as sickness and disease. A compromised nervous system decreases function and performance in the brain and body.

Spine and postural health remain as important to health, function, and quality of life as good nutrition and exercise.

Research done by medical doctors and published in the reputable Spine medical journal revealed the influence of posture on overall body health and well-being. Studies evaluated spine and postural health using x-rays and plumb-line measurements along with other health measurements and recorded subjective data. Patients listed specific, unwelcome symptoms or ailments that went along with objective measurements of blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Research authors found that every recorded aspect of health deteriorated as measurements of posture deviations (shifts in posture) got worse.

This study further details the importance of healthy posture, spinal alignment, and spinal movement. Abnormal posture or small shifts in the spine referred to as a subluxation, operate like cavities in the teeth. They slowly and painlessly form in the back and neck and take root before ever festering with symptoms that declare a problem exists. The intimate relationship between the spine and nervous system makes subluxations a critical component in altering mood, hormones, and function. Poor alignment results in loss of focus, inability to concentrate, less energy, and issues with immunity and digestion. This is because the central nervous system regulates organs and functions. Maintaining a healthy spine serves to only enhance the health and well-being of every member of the family.

Annual checkups to the physician and athletic staff represent routine landmarks on the path to a healthy year. Chiropractic care provides a key element that enhances the physical, mental, and emotional health potential of the entire family. The start of a new school year offers new possibilities and new beginnings. Chiropractic offers the beginning of a healthier future.

The post Back to School Spine & Nervous System Check-Up for the Entire Family first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.