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Fostering a Strong Spine as Kids Head Back to School: Vital Advice for Parents

As the school year begins, it's crucial for parents to ensure their children maintain good spinal health. Poor posture, heavy backpacks, and prolonged sitting can lead to spinal issues that affect overall health. Here are some essential tips to help your kids foster a strong spine as they head back to school.

Dr. Jonathan Finney
Dr. Jonathan Finney
Dr. Kyara Finney
Dr. Kyara Finney
July 17, 2024
A happy child standing upright with good posture, wearing a school backpack with both straps on their shoulders in front of a modern school building. The child is smiling, and other children in the background are playing and engaging in physical activities, creating a bright and lively atmosphere.

Importance of Proper Posture

Encouraging proper posture is vital for preventing back pain and promoting a healthy spine. Remind your children to:

  • Sit Upright: Use chairs that support the lower back, keeping feet flat on the floor.
  • Stand Tall: Align ears with shoulders and hips, avoiding slouching or leaning forward.

Choosing the Right Backpack

A heavy or improperly worn backpack can strain a child's spine. Follow these guidelines to ensure your child's backpack is spine-friendly:

  • Weight Distribution: The backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the child's body weight.
  • Straps and Padding: Opt for backpacks with wide, padded straps and a padded back.
  • Wearing Technique: Encourage using both shoulder straps and adjusting them so the bag sits evenly in the middle of the back.

Encouraging Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy spine. Encourage your children to:

  • Take Breaks: Regular breaks from sitting to stretch and move around.
  • Engage in Exercise: Activities like swimming, walking, and sports strengthen back muscles and improve posture.

Regular Chiropractic Check-Ups

Regular visits to a chiropractor can help ensure your child's spine is healthy and properly aligned. Chiropractic care can:

  • Identify Issues Early: Detect and address spinal issues before they become serious.
  • Provide Tailored Advice: Offer personalized recommendations for maintaining spinal health.

Visit Boise Peak Chiropractic

At Boise Peak Chiropractic, we specialize in pediatric chiropractic care, focusing on promoting healthy spine development for children. Our expert team provides comprehensive evaluations and gentle adjustments to support your child's growth and well-being.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child's spine stays strong and healthy throughout the school year. For more tips and information, visit our blog.

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Peak Upper Cervical Center

Contact Us

Experience specific upper cervical chiropractic care at Peak Upper Cervical Center. Our Boise clinic is dedicated to providing top-quality and unique chiropractic care to help you achieve optimal health.

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Office

Peak Upper Cervical Center

4483 N Dresden Pl #103
Garden City, ID 83714

Reviews

Patient Ratings & Stories

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Peak Upper Cervical Center in their online reviews.

Rated

5.0

140+ Reviews

Rated

5.0

3 Reviews

Jan 16, 2024
My son has had one headache in 4 months. One! And his sensory issues are not even a thing anymore.
Dr. Jon and Kyara are amazing!!! I lived with severe neck and shoulder pain for 5 years, trying everything you can think of for relief. Nothing helped. One day I saw a video on Instagram that just spoke to me. It was everything I was experiencing. The videos are so informative. I called that day and set an appointment. Kyara asked me before my first adjustment if I was ready for the first day of my new life and in my mind I truly wasn’t convinced that it was going to be as magical as it has been. I’ve been there and tried that so I was hopeful but not 100% convinced. She was right, it was the first day of my new life. My pain is nothing like it was, it used to be all I could think about. I’m not perfect yet but I’m on my way there. Peak Chiropractic has changed my life. Best decision I have ever made for myself. My son (13) got a scan for frequent headaches and sensory issues. Dr. Jon had me bring him in for a scan and again was hopeful but not fully convinced and once again they were right. My son has had one headache in 4 months. One! And his sensory issues are not even a thing anymore. It has been amazing for him and I’m so grateful he is getting treatment as well. On top of all the goodness we have had since starting we also feel cared for by both Dr. Jon and Kyara. They feel like family and care about us. Kyara is also super into all around health and I am always learning things from her each time I go. Definitely life changing all the way around and I highly recommend checking them out. You will not be disappointed!
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Cole H.

Nampa, ID

Jun 8, 2024
I’ve been able to golf without pain and my overall quality of life has gone up.
Dr. Jon and Dr. Kyara are amazing! I started seeing them last fall. I had chronic lower back pain and spasms for half my life, about 18 years. After about 2 months of treatment my pain and spasms disappeared and they haven't come back! I've been able to golf without pain and my overall quality of life has gone up. I was so used to the pain that I was unaware of how my much it was hurting every area of my life. I HIGHLY recommend them! Thank you guys!
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Brandon S.

Boise, ID

May 17, 2024
I have had more energy, less pain in all areas of my body, and I've been sleeping like a baby.
I truly don't know where to begin. I had never heard of upper cervical chiropractic care prior to meeting Dr. John and Dr. Kyara. However, I had been going to a chiropractor every two weeks for the last 18 years for "pain management". Over time, my body started to expect an adjustment right at that two week mark and the pain in my back, neck, and jaw became unbearable, even a few days before my regularly scheduled adjustment. I have always trusted chiropractic care, but one twisted neck adjustment left me with a long lasting clicking in my neck and the consistency of my symptoms left me feeling defeated, especially when the vertigo kicked in. I had no energy to get through even the slightest daily activities and I became frustrated at the thought of how much time and money I have spent to only receive such temporary relief. When I walked into Peak chiropractic, I was warmly welcomed by both doctors and was given a tour of the facility, where Dr. John showed me all of the technological recourses they would use to access my spine. The doctors took the time to educate me on EVERYTHING I was to expect in my healing journey and what to do to allow my body to hold the adjustments and heal itself. To my surprise, upper cervical care doesn't involve the twisting and cracking that causes more symptoms than what I came in with. In fact, I could expect to pain free in just a few short weeks (what a relief)! How is that possible you might ask? Trust me, I didn't believe it either. I was told that the misalignment in the top two bones of my spine were likely the cause of all the symptoms I had been experiencing since I was a kid. We immediately got to work and after only one adjustment, I felt like my body was able hold its adjustment longer than it has ever before. Mind you, I am still going through my program with Peak Chiropractic, but after this last adjustment, that consistent clicking in my neck that has never been absent before, left for the very first time. Even after these very few weeks, I have had more energy, less pain in all areas of my body, and I've been sleeping like a baby. I just wanted to scream it from the rooftops! For the first time in 18 years, I am feeling hopeful. I wish everyone knew about upper cervical care, so if you are someone who experiences similar symptoms, please go see Dr. John and Dr. Kyara. I promise your life is going to change. Mine definitely has!
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Seth N.

Eagle, ID