Back to School Health advice for Wichita parents

Back-to-School Health: Give Your Child a Healthy Start This School Year

The start of a new school year is an exciting time. New teachers, new friends, sports, activities, and learning opportunities all bring fresh excitement. But with the return to school also comes heavier backpacks, long hours of sitting, increased screen time, and busy schedules that can put extra stress on growing bodies.

At Dopps Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we believe healthy kids learn better, move better, and feel better. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural way to help children function at their best throughout the school year.

Is Your Child Carrying Too Much?

Many children carry backpacks that are simply too heavy. A backpack should generally weigh no more than 10–15% of your child's body weight. When backpacks are overloaded or worn incorrectly, they can contribute to:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Mid-back and low back pain
• Poor posture
• Muscle fatigue
• Headaches
• Backpack Tips
• Use both shoulder straps instead of one.
• Keep heavier items closest to the back.
• Adjust the straps so the backpack sits snugly against the body.
• Clean out unnecessary books and supplies regularly.
• Hours of Sitting Can Affect Posture

Today's students spend many hours sitting in classrooms, completing homework, and using computers or tablets. Over time, this can lead to:

• Rounded shoulders
• Forward head posture
• Tight muscles
• Decreased flexibility
• Back discomfort

Good posture isn't just about appearance—it helps muscles, joints, and the nervous system work more efficiently.

Chiropractic Care Helps the Body Function, Heal, and Work at Its Best!

The nervous system controls every function in the body. The brain communicates with every organ, muscle, and tissue through the spinal cord and nerves. When the spine isn't moving properly, it may affect how the body functions and adapts to everyday stress.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion to the spine and support healthy nervous system function.

Many families choose chiropractic care to help support:

• Healthy posture
• Better movement and flexibility
• Recovery from sports and playground injuries
• Reduced muscle tension
• Overall wellness
• Young Athletes Need Care Too

Fall sports are back!

Whether your child plays football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, tennis, or cheerleading, their body experiences repetitive stress during practices and games.

Regular chiropractic care may help athletes by supporting:

• Improved mobility
• Better balance and coordination
• Faster recovery between activities
• Healthy joint movement
• Reduced stiffness and soreness

Keeping the body moving well throughout the season can help kids perform their best. Along with regular chiropractic care, encourage your child to:

• Get 8–10 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
• Limit recreational screen time.
• Stay physically active.
• Stretch after sports and long periods of sitting.

Small daily habits can make a big difference in your child's health, energy, and grades.

Back-to-school is the perfect time to make your child's health a priority. Whether they're starting kindergarten, heading into high school, or competing in fall sports, a healthy spine and nervous system help support an active, growing body.

If your child has been complaining of headaches, neck pain, back pain, poor posture, or soreness after sports, don't ignore the warning signs.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt Dopps at Dopps Chiropractic & Acupuncture to help your child start the school year feeling and doing their best! Our goal is to help every child move well, stay active, and enjoy a healthy, successful school year.

We look forward to caring for your family!

Dr. Matt Dopps (316) 265-1575