Back to School Posture Checklist

With the end of school holidays just around the corner, it’s hard to believe that children are entering the second semester already. This is the perfect time to double check their posture, backpacks, desk setups, and spinal health

How do you know if your child’s posture is correct?

Here are a few key points to look for:
~ When looking at them stand from the side, their ear should be inline with the shoulder
~ The shoulder and hip should align
~ No noticeable upper back hunch
~ When looking from behind, are their shoulders level?

According to the Chiropractors Association of Australia 90% of school children have poor posture when carrying their backpack.

Some tips to ensure they are wearing and packing their backpacks correctly:
~ Ensure they wear both straps of the backpack
~Tighten the straps so that it’s sitting flush and not drooping down
~ Wear chest and/or hip straps for extra support
~ Pack heavy textbooks and items in the compartments closest to the spine

Children will spend the majority of their time at school sitting. After these long days, older kids will then be coming home to again sit at a desk to complete homework and study for exams. This prolonged sitting is associated with poor health. After long days it isn’t uncommon for children to start to slouch when at their desks.

To ensure their study environment is right have a read through our tips for having a great desk set up HERE 

If you are concerned about your child’s posture, or they are complaining of upper or lower back pain, having frequent headaches or are having difficulties paying attention in class; have them assessed by a chiropractor.

Treatments may include gentle spinal adjustments, cranial sacral techniques, massage, advice and simple exercises to do at home.