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Andrew Agasar

Category: Physio

spinal care montgomery county pa

What Happens When You Hear a “CRACK” in Your Spine?

Bottom Line:

You turn your head or bend down to lift something and “CRACK”! What is it? Did you injure something?  The first time that happens can be terrifying. Well, you don’t need to worry. That cracking sound is probably not a broken bone. It typically occurs in the facet joints, or knuckles, of your spinal column and it can be completely normal. Your facet joints are designed to help your spine move through a full range of motion.

spinal care montgomery county paWhy it Matters:

The facets are little joints on the back side of your spine. Similar to your knuckles, they have a small capsule around them for lubrication and support. When a facet joint is stretched open, gas within the joint is released, making a crunch or cracking sound. The release of gas is perfectly normal and happens because of the negative pressure in the joint. Sometimes adhesions can occur in the joint making it painful to move. That is why after a chiropractic adjustment many people feel better and have an improved range of motion. Adjustments help the facet joints move more naturally with fewer restrictions.

– Cracks and pops in your back and neck are typically caused by the release of gas within the joint (like a knuckle)

– Adhesions in the joints of your spine can restrict your range of motion and contribute to degenerative changes

– Adjustments reduce the adhesions in the fact joints resulting in pain relief and an improved range of motion

Next Steps:

While many chiropractic techniques create a “cracking” or “crunching” type sound- not all do. Low-speed techniques also improve the motion of the facet joints, sometimes without any sound at all. And here’s a tip to share with your friends- stubborn headaches are frequently caused by irritated facet joints. If you know someone who suffers from headaches and works on a computer most of the day- their facet joints may be to blame. Share this paper with them and let them know a chiropractic adjustment may be just what they need!

Science Source:

Effects of side-posture positioning and side-posture adjusting on the lumbar zygapophysial joints as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: a before and after study with randomization. JMPT 2000. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. The Spine Journal 2002.

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How to Keep Your Spinal Discs Healthy

Bottom Line:

best chiropractors in montgomery county paSpinal discs are the shock absorbers between the bones, or vertebrae, of your spine. The discs have a tough outer ring and a jelly-like center. Their job is to help us move, bend, and twist while absorbing the weight of gravity. But, over time, our spinal discs can become degenerative. Injuries, aging, and the effects of gravity all contribute to disc degeneration. The good news is that degenerative discs rarely cause pain unless they budge or herniate, placing pressure on the spinal nerves. So how you can slow down the degenerative process and keep your discs healthy? Keep reading…

Why it Matters:

Top research journals have recently discovered that movement and hydration are two important factors to keep your discs healthy. A well-hydrated disc can more easily adapt to movement and is less prone to injury. Many chiropractic techniques are designed to “pump” your spinal discs. This motion helps bring nutrients into the disc and pushes out inflammation and waste. That is a fancy way to say that chiropractic care can help keep your spinal discs healthy! Here are the key takeaways:

– Your spinal discs act as small shock absorbers between the bones of your spine

– Movement helps bring nutrients into the disc and pushes out waste and inflammation; helping them stay healthy

– Torn, herniated, or bulged discs can cause pain by irritating the nearby nerves. Researchers have found chiropractic care to be one of the best ways to heal and feel better!

Next Steps:

A combination of chiropractic care in Montgomery County, PA and staying well-hydrated are two ways to keep your spinal discs healthy and pain-free. But, don’t forget to stay active between your adjustments. And here is one more tip to slow down Father Time- daily exercise and stretching. Exercise and stretching will not only keep you fit and trim but can also potentially slow down the degenerative changes of your spine keeping you healthy and active for many years to come!

Science Source:

The Effect of Sustained Compression on Oxygen Metabolic Transport in the Intervertebral Disc Decreases with Degenerative Changes. Computational Biology 2011

Running exercise strengthens the intervertebral disc. Scientific Reports 2017

healthy habits

Habits of Healthy People

Did you ever notice that some people are just healthy, rarely get sick, and seem to have plenty of energy to live life to the fullest? There are a few of us who just are naturally gifted with great health, but most people earn their good health by developing sound lifestyle habits and practicing them consistently and enthusiastically. Being healthy conjures up images of muscular weightlifters at the gym, or long-distance runners breaking the tape after a marathon. But the habits of good health are a lot easier to get at – fortunately, anyone can learn to do what it takes to be healthy. And it starts with learning how to have a healthy brain.

healthy habitsSleep

When you sleep, your brain maintains and rejuvenates itself. That means if you don’t get enough sleep, it hurts your brain a little bit each night – can you imagine what happens over months and years of not sleeping enough? Everyone needs sufficient rest – for most people, that means at least seven or eight hours each night, and more for children.

And if you must miss sleep one night, it’s essential that you catch up in the next couple of nights, or else your brain gets a little less efficient, nothing you’d notice right away, but eventually it makes you foggier, slower, and less effective overall. That will lead to disease, but it’s easy to avoid that – get enough sleep.

Diet

Doctors used to think that your brain liked sugar and hated fat. But modern science proves the opposite – your brain hates sugar and loves healthy fats. So, you’re better off avoiding sweet and starchy food, in favor of sources of good fat, like olive oil, fish like salmon and sardines, avocadoes and nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Your brain needs water, too, and that means water, not iced tea, soda pop, fruit juice or coffee. You need water to hydrate your brain, which is 70% water. Remember, while you sleep, your brain washes itself, and for that it needs enough water. Aim for eight or ten glasses a day.

Exercise

Depending on your current level of fitness, you may choose to exercise moderately or vigorously – just plan to start at your level and move forward reasonably yet steadily.

If you are new to exercise, begin with movement – moving your arms, legs, swaying, rotating, stretching, whatever you can do to get motion into your spine. If you are more fit, you can walk, run, swim, dance, practice yoga, lift weights or play sports.

The key is to select exercises that build your wind and also your muscles. As such, you are better off pacing yourself, doing regular workouts instead of pushing yourself too hard occasionally. Also, contemporary training experts are discovering that high intensity interval training, short intense exercise periods with periods of relaxation in between, is a rapid way to get in shape.

But most importantly, you want to get movement into your spine, because that spinal movement nourishes and stimulates the brain.

Stress Relaxation

Where do you hold your stress? Neck and shoulders? Forehead? Low back? Stomach? Everyone holds stress differently, but no matter where you hold it, it hurts your brain. We all need tools and techniques to de-stress, like meditation or prayer, massage, yoga, martial arts, or bio-feedback.

Brain Care

The latest research is proving that safe, all-natural chiropractic care is one of the best things you can do to keep your brain healthy. Spinal motion feeds your brain, so any deviation from normal spinal health will begin to compromise your brain. So, consult your Doctor of Chiropractic and plan regular checkups for the whole family. Your brain health may depend on it!

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The Real Importance for Scoliosis Screening

Schools recently opened their doors to students worldwide, and families already mobilized to prepare for the school year. They knew they needed to buy books and supplies, to arrange for bus transportation or car pools, to coordinate meals either on site or from home, to select new wardrobe items and other typical school matters.

back pain bucks countyThey also probably planned a yearly physical and a dental examination as well. But many families don’t yet realize that an examination of the brain, spine, and nerve system might be the most important check-up of all.

Parents in the know are paying attention – brain health is front and center in every family’s needs, but our neighbors are only now waking up to the pressing need to reduce brain stress to improve overall health.

So, include a chiropractic exam as part of those steps as the school year kicks off, and you’ll be covering one of the most significant issues affecting your family’s health and wellness.

In many places, scoliosis screening is mandated by law, and in others it’s strongly recommended as a solution to a serious public health issue – but most people don’t yet understand the relationship between the spine’s movement and brain health.

Nobel prize winning scientist Roger Sperry stated without reservation that the movement of the spine supplies 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to your brain – clearly, a chiropractic check-up should be part of your family’s health and wellness routine to start each school year.

After all, what kind of results can we reasonably expect from children in school if they neglect their brain health? It’s common sense, the healthier your brain, the better you’ll do in school.

But the brain does a lot more besides learning and cognitive function – it runs all the subtle mechanisms of your body, helping you breathe, digest food, move, and so on – it’s reasonable to say that a healthier brain leads to a healthier life, and one of the best ways to get your brain healthier is with safe, all-natural chiropractic care.

If your family is in need of an expert chiropractor in Bucks County or Montgomery County area, then we would love to be your family’s chiropractor! Radiant Life Chiropractic serves the Hatboro, Horsham, Warminster and surrounding communities with neurologically-based chiropractic care to help both adults and children live a healthier life!

Why Chiropractic Gives Athletes an Edge on the Competition

Athletics are a huge part of our society, as we enjoy not only participating in them but also watching them. College football and the NFL are starting their seasons, baseball is in its stretch run, and other major events in soccer, tennis, and golf vie for our attention. With schools getting back in session, it is also time for fall sports to begin, and many of our kids will be training, practicing, and playing for long hours during the week. It is estimated that 30 million children now participate in organized sports including soccer, football, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, basketball and baseball.

In competitive sports, the difference between winning and losing is sometimes measured in milliseconds. Athletes need every little bit of strength, speed, and flexibility they can muster. They also need to stay on the field. Honestly, the best ability for an athlete is their availability. An athlete cannot help his or her team on the sidelines.

sports chiropractors in montgomery county paAthletes have been benefiting from chiropractic care for many years; however, it has only recently been receiving attention from the media. Athletes of all types, from the weekend warrior to the world-class athlete, utilize chiropractic because it is a drug-free way to better health and performance. It is not only about treating injuries. Athletes often seek care to prevent injuries before they occur and to improve performance. They want to gain an edge on the competition. Sean Atkins, a PhD Exercise Physiologist, states, “I would estimate that in excess of 90% of all world-class athletes use chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential.” Famous chiropractic advocates include Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Cole Hamels, Jerry Rice, Usain Bolt, and many more. All NFL teams employ on-staff chiropractors. So do 72 percent of PGA golfers and the majority of NBA, MLB and NHL teams.

Many injuries can be avoided before they occur. These are the sprains, strains, and other overuse injuries caused by small, but repetitive injuries to the body’s tissues, joints, and spinal column resulting in chronic health conditions. A major key in preventing injuries and improving athletic performance relates to the value of keeping the body in alignment and the soft tissues healthy. Athletes must move well. If someone has proper posture, then chances are that they will move well. Alignment of the spine and body are crucial to proper movement. Athletes such as sprinters and gymnasts often have very good upright posture, and it is not a surprise that they perform at high levels. However, many athletes that we see in our practice do not move correctly. They have tightness, immobility, and alignment issues in their neck, shoulders, mid-back, pelvis and hips. This is obviously not good and hampers performance and increases the likelihood for injury. For example, if a golfer does not have good mid-back mobility, then the shoulders and low back will take on more responsibility and he or she will be more susceptible to injury in those areas. He or she will also not be able to hit as long or straight because the mechanics of their swing will be altered.

Essentially, proper biomechanical structure allows athletes to achieve and maintain their optimal level of performance—safely and naturally. There is a growing body of research and case studies which clearly show the relationship between chiropractic care and athletic performance. A Canadian research team included chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of 16 injured female long distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, 7 of them scored “personal best” performances while under chiropractic care. A landmark research effort from the New Zealand School of Chiropractic and the University of Auckland, evaluated the effects chiropractic adjustments on reaction times. There was a marked improvement for the group that received an adjustment over the group that got nothing but rest. The group that received the chiropractic adjustment showed a decrease in reaction time of 97 milliseconds, representing a 14.8% faster reaction time! What baseball or tennis player, for example, wouldn’t benefit from a quicker reaction time?

At Radiant Life Chiropractic, we love working with athletes. We have 53 moveable joints in the spine, and when the spine is aligned well, the joints move correctly. Chiropractic adjustments help ensure that the body functions as efficiently as possible, which can maximize healing and recovery from all types of injuries. Chiropractic’s focus on the nervous system and postural biomechanics allows the body to function properly and to heal itself. The healing process always occurs from within the body, but research has shown that chiropractic has an amazing potential to assist the body in the recovery process. Because doctors of chiropractic are experts in the field of human biomechanics, they are very aware of proper posture and movement. By observing an athlete in action, a chiropractor can often detect and prevent a structural problem that can lead to injury or poor performance. Athletic injuries are often caused by improper biomechanics or muscle imbalances within the spine. Using chiropractic adjustments and specific posture exercises and movements, we aim to correct abnormal posture and aberrant movement. We want to regain proper postural balance and stability so that the spine will be able to withstand the load of exercise.

This fall as you or your child participates in the many athletic opportunities offered, be sure to follow the example of the professionals. Have your spines checked regularly, both before the competitions to enhance athletic performance and after sporting events to minimize the effects of trauma!

Headaches Are Common But NOT Normal

Headaches aren’t normal, but since they are extremely common in our society, many people mistakenly believe they are. Nearly everyone has an occasional headache, but the frequency for some people may surprise you. About 15% of our population experiences a headache at least once per month, but some estimates show that up to 5% of adults have a headache every – or nearly every – day. This represents many people living with constant, debilitating pain. Due to this fact, headaches are not surprisingly one of the most common causes of disability. They are also one of the top reasons for visiting a doctor. More than 250 million work days are lost each year due to headaches at a cost of 25 billion dollars per year. Although headaches affect the entire population, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from headaches.

chiropractors for headaches in montgomery county paSome people estimate that there are over 100 different types of headaches, and each type is categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches are recurrent headaches that are not caused by underlying disease or structural problems. 90% of headaches are primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by some underlying disease or condition. Tension headaches and migraine headaches are by far the most common types of headaches, but other types such as cluster headaches and sinus headaches are important.

Just as there are many different types of headaches, there are also many causes of headaches. The scary thing is that research shows that only 10 percent of headaches have a definitive etiology or cause. Unfortunately, we have a healthcare delivery system that tends to focus on symptoms and effects rather than getting to the root cause of the problem. Every headache is just an effect with an underlying cause. Some potential causes include changes in pressure due to weather changes, fatigue and lack of sleep, sensory stress (i.e. light and sound), food sensitivity, medications, postural stress, hormonal changes, and other problems such as chronic eye strain, high blood pressure and improper diet. In rare cases, headaches can be attributed to more serious conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, meningitis or diabetes.

Getting relief from pain is great, but better than covering up the pain is finding out why you are experiencing the pain in the first place and correcting that. Even though there are many causes or factors that may contribute to the development of headaches, there are many actions that you can take to alleviate or avoid headaches. First would be to address stress. Stress activates our sympathetic, or fight-or-flight, nervous system. This part of the nervous system is housed in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. When we are in a stressful situation, it kicks into gear. Short-term use of the sympathetic nervous system is beneficial to help us fight off a bear or get our project done before a big deadline at work. However, after the stressful situation is over, we are supposed to turn the sympathetics off. This doesn’t occur in our busy lives and our sympathetic nervous system is chronically “on.” Sustained sympathetic tone increases our blood pressure and tenses our muscles, which both can contribute to headaches. Turning the sympathetic nervous system off can be very beneficial and can be achieved by meditating, deep breathing exercises, getting adjusted, and more.

Stretching is also helpful in alleviating or preventing headaches. Many times, due to posture, stress, sitting at a desk all day, etc., the muscles in our neck, in our shoulders, in between our shoulder blades, and at the base of our skull are very tight and tense. Four basic stretches can be done to loosen these muscles. First is the chin tuck. This is where you draw your chin straight back so that your ear lines up with your shoulder. Second is cervical extension. Lean your head backward so that you are looking up toward the ceiling. With your head all the way back, gently apply pressure upward on the bottom of your chin lifting it toward the ceiling. The third stretch is the shoulder roll. Raise both shoulders up toward your ears, then pull them back, then drop them down before returning them to the neutral position. You can perform a forward shoulder roll too. Finally, try a trapezius stretch. Our traps are notorious for holding tension and developing trigger points. Gently pull your left ear toward your left shoulder. You can slightly drop your right shoulder downward to get more of a stretch. Repeat to the other side.

Additional actions that may help reduce headaches revolve around nutrition, hydration, and screen time. Reducing (or eliminating) inflammatory foods such as sugars, grains, dairy, and especially gluten can have a positive impact on headache symptoms. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the body. We give it a name based on what area hurts. In the joints, we call it arthritis. In the head, we call it a headache. Other foods or additives such as MSG and caffeine can also contribute to headache symptoms. Considering a detox to rid these system-irritating foods from your body can be greatly beneficial for your symptoms. Hydration is another important factor for headaches. Many people who are chronically dehydrated experience headaches. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day to allow your body to function to the best of its ability. The last suggestion would be to limit screen time. Eye strain can lead to headaches. It is smart to get your eyes checked to make sure you don’t need glasses or a change in prescription. In addition, staring at computers, phones, tablets, etc. can cause tension on your eyes. Consider reducing screen time, especially at night.

If you implement these suggestions and are still suffering from headaches, then schedule an appointment with us at Radiant Life Chiropractic. We have had great success with patients complaining of headaches in the past and would love the opportunity to evaluate you and see if we can help you get on the right track. Many of the services that we provide are extremely effective in helping reduce the pain and dysfunction caused by headaches. Headaches are a big issue in our society, but they don’t have to be a part of your life. You just need to figure out what is causing them and then you can fix it. Try reducing stress, stretching, and addressing potential nutritional issues. If you are still dealing with headaches, then let us help. We can specifically evaluate you and develop a personalized plan to get you the best results possible. Call 215-259-5100 to schedule an appointment to address your pain and get you moving toward true health!

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Posture and Your Brain

Psychologist and neurobiologist Dr. Roger Sperry won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1981 for his research on the function of the brain. As you know, your brain is responsible for reacting to your environment, running your internal metabolism, as well as thinking and decision-making. You need your brain for everything you do – and if your brain isn’t as healthy as it could be, it compromises the way your body works. Dr. Sperry, renowned brain scientist, stated, “90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine.”

posture correction montgomery county paThis means that having a healthy spine is essential if you want a healthy brain, and this is the leading reason why you and your family need to take the best care possible of your spine – not only does it reduce the likelihood of painful problems, it enhances your brain function which makes you healthier in every way. The first thing you can do to take care of your spine is to develop the habit of good posture. According to the American Posture Institute (API), “Modern sedentary living, misalignments and faulty movements in the spine combined with poor posture diminish nutrition and stimulation to the brain. How well we eat, move, think, connect and cope with stress determines our destiny.”

What is posture anyway? Posture is the position you hold yourself in, standing, sitting or lying down. It’s the way you deal with gravity, which exerts a constant downward pull on your body. Your posture is the sum of the alignment and movement of all the bones and muscles in your body, especially your spine. The API website says, “Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities.” This means that proper alignment and movement reduces the stress on your spine, and that translates directly into a healthier brain.

It’s important for anyone to maintain a healthy posture, but it’s especially important for young people – because young people with poor posture habits turn into sicker adults.

To find your best posture, start by standing whatever you think is straight. Now, look down, and be sure your feet are straight, and about hip or shoulder width apart. Divide your weight evenly over your legs with your knees relaxed and let your arms dangle naturally by your sides. Position your shoulders above your hips, and your head above your shoulders. From the side, your ears, shoulders and hips should be aligned.

How about when you’re sitting? You want to aim for keeping both feet flat on the floor with your knees level with your hips. So, pick a chair that is at that height or can be adjusted to it. Sit back in the chair, and if you need extra support in the lower back, use a cushion or rolled up towel. Keeping your neck and upper back straight but relaxed, tuck your chin and stretch your neck a bit, so your head reaches toward the ceiling. If you need to, use a stool or footrest under your feet.

Sleeping posture is also critically important, since you spend between a quarter and a third of your life in bed. There are many valid sleeping positions, and your comfort will be a great determining factor. But most usually, sleeping on your back is ideal, with your neck supported but not pushed forward, and your knees slightly broken with a pillow or cushion. It’s just as good to sleep on your side, with a pillow between your knees if desired and enough height on your head pillow to keep your neck straight. Sleeping face down with your head turned all the way to one side all night is least beneficial for your spinal health. Keeping your spine straight while you sleep promotes relaxation, so you awaken more refreshed and rested.

Maintaining a healthy posture, whether you’re standing, sitting or lying down, is essential for good brain function. Work with your family members to remind each other to stand up straight, and it will reward you – you’ll feel better, look better, be healthier and you’ll keep your brain working at peak efficiency!

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Flu Season is Here but You Need to Understand This About Immunity

The immune system of a child or adult is one of the most complex and sophisticated phenomena of the human existence. A better understanding of the immune system and the reason why one person gets sick and another does not can be acquired by thinking about two green pastures right beside each another. The first is left alone and the second has garbage dumped all over it. The first green pasture has normal growth, normal animals living, and a pleasant appearance. The second pasture looks and smells horrible which attracts rodents, maggots and buzzards. The second pasture is that way because of its response to the trash. The first pasture needed no help to flourish because it was designed to clean itself and stay well-developed. This same metaphoric principle applies to the design of the human body and its immune system.back pain montgomery county pa

To get the second pasture back to the quality of the first pasture, one would have to remove the bad stuff that was interfering with its natural design to stay well-maintained and functioning. Spraying chemicals on the maggots, setting traps for the rodents, and shooting the buzzards out of the sky would seem to be a logical solution to restore that order. However, this strategy would only get rid of them for a short time. Eventually the problems come back unless the source of the interference is removed. The trash and garbage is the source of the interference. Removing the interference would allow the pasture to flourish.

The human immune system is like either a dirty or clean pasture. Immunity is directed by the organs and enforced by cells through the blood. All immunity must be mediated by body chemistry (hormones) and controlled by the nervous system, which is why the spine plays a major role in immunity. We cannot just attempt to kill germs and focus on things outside the body; we need to strengthen our body’s innate defenses. Along with many others that show the correlation, research published in 2011 proved a direct link between spinal adjustments and an increase in the immune-boosting cells called IgA. The study showed an amazing 139% increase in the immune-boosting IgA within minutes after a spinal adjustment.

Eating correctly, properly hydrating, and adequate sleep are a few of the many variables that contribute to maximizing immune function. However, chiropractic adjustments are a vital aspect of improving health from the inside-out, and arguably one of the most unknown strategies for improving immunity in healthcare today. Chiropractors worldwide are driven to change this by teaching the world about the benefits of chiropractic and deliver the cutting-edge immune-boosting care to as many families as possible.

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Understanding “Forward Head Posture”

chiropractic montgomery county, paUnderstanding forward head posture and how this creates the potential for injury and chronic musculoskeletal problems is extremely important. Normally, looking at someone from the side, the ear should be directly over the shoulder. As you can see in the image, for every 1 inch the head moves forward, it increases the force stressing the head and spine by 10 pounds. Not only does it increase the loading on the spine, which over time can lead to degeneration and wearing of discs and joints in the spine, it also causes certain muscles and ligaments to become “facilitated.” This means they must contract much harder to maintain that forward head posture. Think about holding 12-15 lbs (the weight of a bowling ball and the weight of your head), out away from your body. It would be harder to hold there than close to the body, right? Well, this is like the weight and stress we are placing on our spine and weight-bearing joints.

This produces very predictable problems in our spine and weight-bearing joints.

  • Lower cervical (neck) problems such as disc bulges, herniations and arthritis
  • Forward rolling shoulders which causes rotator cuff injury, tight pecs and shoulder pain
  • Lower lumbar disc loading and degeneration increasing the likelihood of lumbar disc herniations
  • Thoracic kyphosis which causes that unpleasant hump in our upper and middle back
  • Knee and hip problems because our weight is not being distributed properly in these joints

Avoid Forward Head Pressure

We want to help our patients understand the cause and effect relationship of common health problems and this problem is progressive in nature and should be prevented at all costs. We are seeing it increasingly in children because of cell phones, computers and tablets. The human body was not designed to sit for 8-10 hours a day which is what most of us, including our children, are doing. When we sit, our posture is “Closed” meaning most of our joints (ankles, knees, hips, lower back, mid back and neck) are flexing. This closed position is the opposite of standing where we are in an open position. Our spine will wind up in the position the we put it in the most. If we “flex” forward too much, this is the alignment that we will adopt. If you notice that your posture or the posture of your children looks like the picture above, then it is time to do something about it. Not only has forward head posture been associated with neck pain and back pain, but it also has been correlated with migraines, high blood pressure, and decreased lung capacity. It is serious, and we would love to help in the process of regaining your posture. Call or schedule an appointment today to get your posture moving in the right direction!

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3 Backpack Safety Tips for Your Child’s Health

Now that Labor Day Weekend is over, so is summer. It is officially back to school time. Kids will be returning to the classroom, parents will get back into school time routines, and everyone’s commute will get just a little bit longer with the buses on the road. Something that I notice every year when school resumes is how big backpacks have become. Even little children in the lower grades are lugging around backpacks that are almost as large as they are, and this can take a toll on their health. Here are 3 simple tips to help your child’s physical health as they are going back to school:family chiropractic warminster pa

  1. A child’s backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 5-10% of his or her bodyweight: Heavier backpacks cause children to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on their back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
  2. The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline: A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing kids to lean forward when walking.
  3. Urge your children to wear both shoulder straps: Carrying the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck muscle spasms and low back pain.

Chronically carrying around heavy backpacks can lead to many postural changes. This is not good because children are already sitting often in school and spending a lot of time on different technologies. These activities also negatively affect posture. Poor posture with added weight can cause spinal stress. Many children unfortunately complain of low back pain, neck pain, numbness, tingling and headaches that can be traced back to postural changes. Heavy backpacks that are not carried correctly then enhance these issues. Another issue is that some children suffer from scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Young children are the most vulnerable to the effects of scoliosis as they are growing. Additional postural problems caused by heavy backpacks do not help the situation.

As school gets back in session, it is very important to check your child’s backpack to make sure it is not doing damage to their spine. If you need a children’s chiropractic specialist in the Hatboro, Horsham, Warminster or Warrington communities for your kids who complain of aches, pains, or other problems associated with posture issues, then call 215-259-5100 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will discuss whether it is something that we can help with and how we can get your child feeling and functioning well because they deserve to enjoy a fun and successful school year!