Supporting Your Child’s Spine This School Term
As the new school term kicks off, many parents are asking: “How can I help my child grow up strong, healthy, and pain-free?” One often-overlooked piece of the puzzle is the health of your child’s spine.
It’s not just about backpacks (though those matter too) — it’s about how posture, screen time, and daily habits shape your child’s physical and neurological development.
Let’s break it down.
The Tech Challenge: Posture in a Digital World
With increased use of phones, tablets, and computers, poor posture is becoming common in children. Constant screen use often results in “tech neck,” where the head is held forward and the upper spine is under stress.
A recent study published in Applied Ergonomics found a clear link between smartphone use and neck pain in school-aged children. Another review in Children confirmed that prolonged screen time contributes to musculoskeletal issues and reduced activity levels.
Poor posture early in life can affect the development of both the spine and the brain—and it may even influence motivation, focus, and sleep.
Backpacks and Spinal Health
We all know backpacks can be a burden, but did you know that carrying more than 10% of your child’s body weight can negatively impact their posture and spine?
A study in the Archives of Disease in Childhood revealed that heavy backpacks are directly associated with back pain and postural changes in school children. Another report reinforced that keeping loads under 10% of body weight significantly reduces strain.
Quick Tip for Parents: Choose a lightweight backpack with padded straps, encourage both-shoulder carrying, and adjust straps so the pack sits high on the back.
Posture and Brain Function: The Hidden Connection
What many parents don’t realize is that poor spinal alignment can affect how your child learns, moves, and copes with stress.
Poor posture & spinal dysfunction can interfere with the way the nervous system communicates with the body. Over time, this can impact physical comfort, concentration, and emotional regulation.
And the sooner you address it, the better: a 2024 BMJ Open study highlights that early musculoskeletal screening can help prevent chronic issues later in life.
Practical Tips for Parents
Here are five small changes that can make a big difference:
Encourage movement
Get your child moving daily—walking, dancing, climbing, stretching. Movement stimulates healthy spinal and neurological development.Limit screen time
Create regular screen-free breaks and promote good ergonomics (no slouching on the couch!).Lighten the backpack
Keep it under 10% of body weight, and make sure your child wears both straps.Create a tech-safe zone
Set up desks and tables where screens are at eye level and posture can be maintained.Get proactive with check-ups
Just like you’d visit the dentist, regular spinal health assessments are a smart way to catch small issues before they become big ones.
We’re Here to Help
At Home.Chiropractic Studio, we’re passionate about supporting healthy growth in children and optimal brain-body function in all ages. We offer spinal health reviews for kids and adults, as well as education on posture, movement, and nervous system health.
If you have any questions about your child’s posture or spinal development—or want to schedule a consultation—get in touch at hello@home-chiro.net
-
AlAbdulwahab, S. S., et al. (2021). Smartphone use and its impact on posture and neck pain in school children. Applied Ergonomics, 93, 103379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103379
Cardon, G., et al. (2018). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children: A review. Children, 5(7), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/children5070098
Negrini, S., & Carabalona, R. (2002). Backpacks and back pain in children. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 87(3), 205–207. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.87.3.205
Kistner, F., et al. (2018). Backpack loads and postural effects in schoolchildren. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 15(11), 2529. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112529
Anderson, J., et al. (2024). Pediatric musculoskeletal health and early prevention. BMJ Open, 14(11), e089929. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089929