Back pain affects us all – young and old alike. From kids during their school day to adults heading back to the office after a vacation, do you know how to avoid irritating your back and causing a debilitating injury?

Preventing Back-to-School Back Pain

Your kids have to carry heavy backpacks and sit in hard chairs each day at school. It’s really no surprise they may struggle with back pain as they return to a new school year.

• Make sure your child’s backpack never weighs more than 5-10% of his or her body weight
• Clean out the backpack of extra books and materials each day and have your child ask their teacher what books might be able to stay at school to reduce the daily load
• Encourage your child to sit with proper posture to reduce strain on the back from slouching
• Purchase backpacks with wide, padded straps and keep them adjusted for your child so they are not too loose

Preventing Back Pain in the Office

While you will certainly want to help your child avoid injury, it is important to consider your own body’s needs as well. Returning to the office after a summer vacation or holiday may increase the level of discomfort you face from sitting for hours in your chair.

• Purchase an office chair focused on ergonomics, including lumbar support and an adjustable seat height
• Sit with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight against the back of the chair (slouching can strain spinal ligaments and discs, irritating your back and causing damage over time)
• Stand and stretch (take a short break, if possible) at least once an hour to keep your muscles and joints active during your day, reducing the strain of maintaining one position for long periods of time

The Benefits of Visiting the Chiropractor

In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, the chiropractor can keep your spine aligned, helping your body heal or stay in good condition. At Ringer Chiropractic, we help our patients with pain management, injury prevention and muscle relaxation through chiropractic treatments.