Standing up straight is important for everyone; however it is more crucial to develop the habits of good posture in childhood. Many adults with chronic back pain can trace the problem to years of bad posture habits or injuries in childhood. Therefore, it is important to start proper spinal maintenance at an early age.
Children and Spinal Injury
Because they are growing and more active, children may be at a greater risk for injury to the back and spine. There is a significantly high risk associated with sports and recreation. According to studies, more than 1/3 of all high school athletes sustain some type of physical injury. Children who carry heavy backpacks often create postural problems and regions of spinal dysfunction. Many childhood stresses and traumas lead to larger spinal and nerve dysfunction later in life.
Benefits of Posture Checks
Children and teens with Scoliosis commonly developed it from a lack of proper spinal maintenance. Studies have shown that children who have taken care of their spines with regular care have shown to have over five times less health problems overall than the average child. They have fewer occurrences of scoliosis, ear infections, growing pains and overall health problems. Therefore, having your children’s posture checked and monitored as they age is important.
Affects of Poor Posture
People who choose to neglect regular posture checks may risk a decrease in quality of life as they age. Poor posture extracts a high price as you age because it can:
1) Limit your range of motion – Muscles can be permanently shortened or stretched when a slumped over position becomes a normal position.
2) Organs in your body become less effective – Lungs work at a lower capacity, meaning less oxygen to the body, the digestive system has a harder time functioning, and quite commonly cardiovascular health is compromised.
3) Mental/emotional state can be affected – People who are less capable of supporting their body properly have less energy, have a harder time enjoying their day, and are more commonly less active in life.By:
Dr. Alan RosenthalRosenthal Chiropractic & Health
558 St. Charles Drive Suite 203
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Office: 805-402-7576
Cell: 818-370-2020
Fax: 805-301-8011