Fall brings the childhood milestone of a new school year.  Those of us with children are adjusting to our customary autumn routine.  As the kids settle into their new classes, keep these items in mind.

Childhood is the time to start chiropractic care

Firstly, active bodies require support to keep them in alignment.  When we hear this statement, most of us think of professional athletes, but the truth is that children are also physically active:  playing at recess, in gym class, running around, climbing and exploring, and playing sports.

Secondly, worse, many children’s injuries are minimized or dismissed.  Their aches might be the result of sports injuries or repetitive strain, not “growing pains” or attempts at attention.  Chiropractic care can help soothe these aches and ensure that children’s bodies are properly aligned.

In conclusion, people of all ages benefit from chiropractic care.  This includes your children.

Backpacks can cause strain injuries

How would a child get a repetitive strain injury?  Backpacks are common culprits.

Improperly worn backpacks can put excessive stress on just one shoulder, or on the spine.  Don’t sling the pack off one shoulder.  Use both straps, one on each shoulder.  Wear backpacks with the weight properly centered.  Use the adjusters to ensure that the load isn’t carried too high or too low.

Backpacks that are too heavy will cause your child to “hunch” to carry the load and also leave them vulnerable for injuries.

Childhood injuries from falls might not be apparent right away

Falls don’t just happen to the elderly.  Kids also “wipe out” all the time:  trips, tumbles, falls from bikes, scooters and skateboards, loss of balance, etc.  This kind of rough-and-tumble play helps kids to learn to control their bodies and push their limits.  But it can also result in injuries.

Kids might pick themselves up and “look fine.”  So, the results of their bodies being out of alignment might not show up for some time.  Similarly, an adult who experiences a fall, a car accident or a “body check” might not feel pain for days or even weeks after the incident.

Remember that concern about sports injuries should not be preventing your children from being active.  Kids need physical activity to stay healthy.  Kids who are physically active find it easier to concentrate in class and to get a good sleep at night.  Physical activity helps young muscles develop and improves cardiovascular health.

The best solution is to provide your physically active kids with support for their growing bodies.  One way is to make sure they have the right protection.  For example, bike riders should wear properly fitted, undamaged helmets.  Another way is to make sure they see their chiropractor for maintenance care.

What should you do if you don’t have a family chiropractor?

Sheppard Chiropractic Centre is accepting new patients.

Call us at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 and let us know that you’re looking to make a first appointment for your child.  We’d be happy to help.