Yesterday launched Spinal Health Week, the CAA initiative aimed to encourage Australians to become more proactive in their own healthcare with the theme “Live better, We’ve Got Your Back”. Our previous blog discussed areas where we can improve our spinal health in the workplace, however as family chiropractors, we also have some tips for children and families!

The importance of posture is not only for those sitting in offices. While playing video games or watching TV, children tend to sit with their head and chin forward, which places excess loading on the neck and can jam the top part of the neck joints. This in turn places excess stress on the muscles and ligaments of the neck and can cause pain and postural imbalances. Symptoms of prolonged screen time include visual impairment, headaches and a variety of physical pains including neck pain, low back pain and repetitive strains. Children are four times more likely to have a daily TV habit than a physical habit.

To look after the spinal health of our children it is important to understand that:

  • The longer children sit, the harder it is for them to hold themselves up properly
  • Games that get kids out of their seats and moving around are the best types of games
  • For non-motion games, regardless of whether it is a hand-held device such as a Nintendo DS or an iPad/table or mobile phone, parents and kids should make sure that time limits are set for a break and a good stretch and some movement.

An active spine is a healthy spine and a healthy spine leads to a healthier life. Why not use Spinal Health Week to make an appointment with our clinic to assess your postural fitness and discuss how being more active will improve your well being.

During Spinal Health Week Shirley Rd Chiropractic and the CAA encourage you to become proactive and improve your spinal health. Call our Crows Nest or Norwest clinics to book an appointment for you and the family or contact us if you have any questions or for more information

You can also visit the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia’s (CAA) Sit Right website for tips on how to improve your posture or download the Sit Right widget to remind you when to take a break when sitting.