Back to School, Back to Health: What Every Parent Should Know About Kids and Chiropractic

🎒 Back to School, Back to Health: What Every Parent Should Know About Kids and Chiropractic

As summer winds down and the school year ramps up, parents shift gears—from sunscreen and pool towels to school supplies and sports schedules. But there’s one important back-to-school checklist item that often gets overlooked: your child’s spinal health.

Whether it’s the weight of a backpack, the physical demands of school sports, or even hours hunched over screens and desks, kids today face real physical stressors. The good news? Chiropractic care can help prevent issues before they start—and keep your child feeling their best all year long.

🎒 Backpack Safety:

It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think. The backpack may look innocent, but if it’s too heavy or worn improperly, it can cause: Poor posture, headaches, neck/back pain, spinal misalignments, and long-term muscular imbalances leading to other problems.

📏 Tips for Backpack Safety:

• Keep it under 10–15% of your child’s body weight
• Use both straps—not just one
• Choose a pack with padded straps and a chest or waist strap
• Make sure it sits above the hips, not sagging low on the back
• Help them clean it out weekly—no need to carry every book daily!

👉 A quick spinal check-up at the start of the school year can help catch any postural shifts early before they turn into problems.

⚽ Sports Injuries:

Chiropractic Can Speed Up Recovery & Improve Performance Whether your child plays football, soccer, volleyball, or runs cross-country, sports can put strain on young, developing bodies. Even minor impacts or repetitive motions can cause:

• Muscle strains or sprains
• Joint dysfunction
• Headaches or concussions
• Decreased flexibility or balance

Chiropractic care helps young athletes:

• Recover faster from injuries
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce inflammation and pain
• Boost coordination and balance
• Prevent future injury

💡 Dr. Matt Dopps is trained in specific techniques that are gentle and safe for children of all ages—from little leaguers to varsity stars.

📱 Posture, Screen Time & Spinal Health:

Between laptops, tablets, and phones. Today’s kids spend hours hunched forward—putting strain on the neck and upper back.

This can lead to:

• “Tech neck”
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Long-term spinal issues

What you can do:

• Encourage frequent breaks (every 30 minutes)
• Keep screens at eye level
• Promote activities that build core strength and posture awareness
• Schedule regular check-ups with your chiropractor to monitor alignment and growth patterns

👶 Chiropractic isn’t just for adults. Pediatric chiropractic is safe, gentle, and effective. From toddlers learning to walk, to teens balancing school, sports, and growth spurts, a child’s spine needs proper care.

Benefits of chiropractic care for children can include:

• Better sleep
• Improved focus and behavior
• Fewer ear infections and immune issues
• Reduced growing pains
• Improved digestion and energy levels

📝 Start the School Year Aligned for Success

As kids return to class, sports, and busy schedules, now is the perfect time to schedule a back-to-school spinal checkup. Small imbalances caught early can prevent bigger problems down the road—and help your child start the year strong, focused, and pain-free.

✅ Call Today to Schedule Your Child’s Visit

📍 Dopps Chiropractic & Acupuncture | Wichita, KS

📞 (316) 265-1575

🌐 DrMattDopps.com

🗓️ Accepting new pediatric patients, same-day and after-school appointments available.