Are Your Children’s Backpacks Causing Spinal Misalignment?

“Oh, my aching back” is usually something you hear an adult say, who then attribute it to old age or too much sitting or lifting. Parents, unfortunately, are hearing their children utter similar phrases more frequently and wondering why a school-aged child’s back would hurt.

If you’ve ever picked up your child’s backpack and realized its weight, you’ve probably discovered the reason why your child is complaining of back pain. In fact, research into back pain caused by backpacks has discovered that an alarming number of kids tote around backpacks weighing more than 10 percent of their own body weight! In addition, teenage girls carrying purses and backpacks report more instances of back pain than boys who only carry backpacks.

The solution to preventing back pain in children due to heavy backpacks is simple: They should stop carrying so much weight in their backpacks. We understand it’s easier said than done, especially when you can’t always monitor what your children stuff into their backpacks and haul around all day.

Chiropractic Care for Children

Chiropractic care for kids provides the same benefits as chiropractic care for adults: improved spinal alignment, better posture, optimal functioning of the nervous system and enhanced overall health and well-being. When Dr. Crist sees your child for the first time, he will gather information about your child’s past and present health, conduct a physical exam of your child’s spine and make a diagnosis based on symptoms and his professional conclusions.

Spinal adjustments for children involve gentle, “fingertip” manipulations to correct spinal misalignment due to carrying heavy backpacks. Since children’s spine are still developing, fingertip manipulations are generally adequate to restore proper vertebrae alignment, remove any nervous system interference and eliminate back pain. Your child will experience no discomfort during the procedure and may even comment on how good it felt to have his or her back “fixed.”

A popular Franklin, TN chiropractor caring for adults and children, Dr. Crist is known for his friendly, compassionate bedside manner and his unique ability to make children feel comfortable and safe while receiving pediatric chiropractic treatments. Our new facility offers amenities to make the experience pleasant and rewarding for children and adults while imparting a warm, cozy feel that helps relieve any fears your child may have about visiting Crist Chiropractic.

If your child is complaining of chronic back pain, please call us today at 615-771-0022 to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Crist. We accept referrals from several physicians in the area and accept Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana insurance plans. Crist Chiropractic also has flexible payment plans if your insurance does not cover chiropractic care.