01 Jun Why does my child have back pain?
I wish I didn’t have so much experience with kids and back pain. My friends and family are always surprised to hear how many kids I adjust regularly in my clinic. When I first started in chiropractic 6 years ago, it was rare that I could convince parents to bring their kids into my office. Often now the child is a chiropractic patient before the parent is. So why does my child have back pain?
Why do kids have so much back pain? Let’s start with their big heavy backpacks that don’t quite fit that they sling over one shoulder. While I frequently recommend smaller backpacks, keeping more in your locker and roller bags, that isn’t always realistic. At the very least, be sure to wear a backpack with adjustable straps over both shoulders and the best scenario would be to use a waist strap too. Where do you get something like that? Try Dick’s or another sporting goods store.
Just like any office worker, if you sit all day, it will cause back pain. My office chair has lumbar support and a butt cushion. Most school desks I have seen have hard resin chairs with no padding. How can anyone be expected to sit quietly and calmly on that?
That is one of the many reasons that varied physical activity is important for keeping your kids healthy and free of back pain. This doesn’t mean three hours of soccer practice every night year-round. Variety in sports is important. The kids that do best and have the least pain and injuries are the ones that don’t get so focused on one sport. If your child is happy to settle for the B team because they are enjoying a variety of sports, be happy for them. Be proud that they are making a decision that will cause them less pain and injury in the future.
Chiropractic care has been shown over and over to be effective and safe for kids. If your child is struggling with back pain give a chiropractor a call. We are honored and excited if you choose us for your family’s chiropractic care.
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 918-940-4630 and schedule your initial visit with Dr. Travis Ring with Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic. We are located conveniently off the Broken Arrow Expressway at 61st and Aspen across from the world’s largest QT (that may be an exaggeration but that place is huge!!) Thank you in advance for allowing us to care for your child.