By 15 years of age, the percentage of children experiencing back pain is approximately 50%-70%, which approaches adult rates of 70-80% (1). 

Most school children experience some sort of neck or back pain. Studies have shown there is a significant association between the weight of the backpack the child uses and the likelihood of reporting back pain (1). 
In a study of 640 school children with back pain, the authors collected data for 25 years. They showed an 84% lifetime prevalence of continued back pain as an adult. Therefore, it is extremely important to do as much as you can to deal with the issue causing the back pain for your children now!
Here is our 5 tips to help prevent back pain in your children this year

1. Good Posture-stand tall, pretend there is a piece of string pulling you up from your head.
2. Sittting Straight- keep good posture when you are sitting, don’t be a slouch potato.
3. Try to have standing breaks, every 25-30 minutes
4. Home Work station, check that it is still suitable, chances are they have grown and the desk space will need to change-Home computers should be eye level, Laptop should use a laptop stand.
5. Back pack checks- a child backpack should weight no heavier than 10% of their body weight. The back pack ideally be carried on both shoulders not on one shoulder (although research has not been done to determine which way to carry the bag at this stage is the best approach, common sense prevails here). In 1996, the Ministry for Education in Austria decided that school bags were not allowed to weigh more than 10% of the child’s body weight (1).

​These tips will go a long way to help your child spinal health now and in the future.
If you would any further information about what we do at sprouting Health chiropractic head over to our website or ring us today and find out about our No Gap Initial Appointment 

References

1. Troussier, B., Davoine, P., De Gaudemaris, R., Fauconnier, J. and Phelip, X., 1994. Back pain in school children. A study among 1178 pupils. Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine, 26(3), pp.143-146.
2. Harreby M, Neergaard K, Hesselsoe G, et al. Are radiologic changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine of adolescents risk factors for low backpain in adultsVa 25 year prospective cohort study of 640 school children. Spine. 1995;20:2298Y2302.

​With many of us entering back to work from a great Christmas and New Year period, the sudden spike back in the daily grind of work can see a spike in our bodies physical stress levels.  So where does Chiropractic fit in with this.?
 
With everyday stress from a physical, chemical and emotional exposure stand point, knowing how to manage, reduce or maintain healthy stress levels is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true with its link to long-term health having been described today by some doctors as the RSI of the brain.
 
Getting adjusted with spinal therapy either manipulative or mobilisation is one supporting way amongst a well balanced package of many, which has been linked to helping manage our autonomic nervous system. While it has also been linked to our brain and bodies ability to deal with stress (Rechberger, Biberschick and Porthun, 2019), and also has a potential link to lowering our salivary cortisol (stress hormone) post adjustment (Tuchin, 1998), more research is needed in this area.
 
So coming in to the new year if there is a few niggles from the added physical stress levels coming off of a well earnt break or busy Christmas check in with our team and see how we as a team can support you at Sprouting Health.
 
 

References
Rechberger, V., Biberschick, M. and Porthun, J., 2019. Effectiveness of an osteopathic treatment on the autonomic nervous system: a systematic review of the literature. European Journal of Medical Research, 24(1).
 
Tuchin, P.J., 1998. The effect of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy on salivary cortisol levels. Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 7(2), p.86.

There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to influence immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between chiropractic adjustments and neuroimmune function is unclear.
 
A recent study completed April 2021 included Twenty-three published papers which explored the impact of chiropractic adjustments on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that adjustments influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. 
 
This narrative review discusses the mechanisms of adjustments on immune markers are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following a chiropractic adjustment. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (our stress response) and the immune system.
 
There is also substantial evidence supporting the close link between the hormonal system and the immune system which is vital for the body’s ability to protect itself and includes a variety of immune mediators. Stress indues sympathetic nervous system activity which also alters muscle activation patterns which then can cause dysfunctional vertebral motor control.
 
There are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link adjustments to the immune system, suggesting they have the potential to modulate immune function. However, further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of chiropractic adjustments on immune function and possible benefits.
 
 
 
REFERENCES
 
1.         Haavik H, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Amjad I, Duehr J, Holt K. The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021;57(6).