Children's Spinal Health

It is so important for kids to care for their backs. Kids who start out with strong structures at a young age are more likely to have good health as they grow older and avoid back injuries. The physical strain on a young child is often surprising to parents. 

Dangerous Activities for Back Injury

One of the most common sources of strain on the back for children comes in the form of a school backpack. Parents need to be careful that their child never carries more than 5-10% of their bodyweight, as advised by the American Chiropractic Association. 

Sports are also a major strain on the body of a child and injuries often arise from overuse. Ensure your child is taking at least 2 months off of any specialized position or sport, allowing their body rest from that particular activity.

Poor posture can be harmful to the spine as well. Parents should work with their children to sit and stand with their backs straight and their shoulders back.

Building Stronger Bodies

Parents who work to prevent back problems in their children will notice children are often more prepared for activities and suffer from fewer injuries. Our chiropractic clinic provides preventative therapies to help your child learn to stretch properly and adjustments to keep their spinal chords in alignment. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child today.

A healthy diet for children is essential for building strong bones as they grow. Bones need calcium to stay strong and many children do not get enough calcium in their diet. While milk, cheese and yogurt all contain calcium, they should not be the only (or even the primary) sources for calcium in your child’s diet. Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, turnips, collard greens), sardines, seafood and fortified foods (like, cereals, orange juice, soy milk and breads) are also good sources of calcium.

The recommended calcium intake for children ages 4-8 is 800 mg/day. Your child can achieve this amount of calcium with three 8-oz glasses of milk a day. Milk and dairy products also contain Vitamin D (vital to the body for calcium absorption) and protein, which is important for strong muscles.

Is your child on a path towards a healthy stature? Tell us your tips in the comments below!