Subluxation
One of the major aggravating factors in spinal misalignment (subluxation) is the trusty backpack. The weight of the backpack pulls down on the shoulders and places a compressive force through the spinal column. Depending upon how much weight is carried; different structures are affected biomechanically and neurologically. One of the easiest observations to see with heavy backpack usage is the change in posture and gait pattern. The head is shifted forward; the shoulders roll either forward or backward depending upon the weight.
Force is placed on the thoracic spine with each step, and if the backpack is large, it can jolt against the lumbar spine with every step. If the strap is used only on one side, it can lead to lateral head tilt, head rotation, unleveled shoulders, prominent shoulder blades, unleveling and/or rotation of the pelvis and measured leg length inequality. The muscles surrounding the
vertebrae of the spine counter this force by contracting, leading to a chronic cycle of tension. This leads to loss of normal spine and nerve function, and in advanced cases, we see the presence of headaches, shoulder pain, back pain, and muscle spasm. What concerns us even more are the changes in the nerve supply affecting the health of organs and the tissues that cannot be seen and are usually asymptomatic.
Be sure that the backpacks you and your family use weigh no more than 10 - 15% of your total body weight. Invest in a good backpack that allows an even distribution of weight across the spine with cushioned straps. Eliminate carrying unnecessary things; only pack what's needed for each day.
It does not take a lot of force to misalign a young spine, for in children and teenagers the spine has not yet fully turned to bone (ossified). Ossification of the spine is not completed until we are 22 - 25 years of age. An old saying in chiropractic is "as the twig is bent, so grows the tree". Our spines are much the same, for if we have a poor posture or scoliosis at a young age, we often grow into adulthood with these abnormalities. This is why it is important not to overload the spine, especially young spines.
It is also very important to have children checked regularly for spinal misalignments and corrected by a chiropractor to allow the spine to properly develop.
My daughter is three years old and has been given an inhaler that contains steroids. This really concerns me, but I feel that I have no choice but to give it to her.
Your concerns are felt by many parents. An asthmatic attack can be quite scary for you and your child and you feel that you have no alternative to the prescribed inhaler. There, are however, some positive things you can do that help the body heal itself and improve respiratory function. One is Chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments improve overall body function by improving communication, via the nervous system, between the brain cells, tissues and organs.
There is ample research documenting the intimate connection between the spinal column, nervous system and asthma. In several studies researchers found spinal adjustments to induce respiratory function and chest mobility superior to that produced through conventional medical bronchodilators, expectorants and corticosteroids. In a recent study, children with asthma showed an overall improvement in the lung capacity after only 15 chiropractic adjustments.
Is chiropractic addictive? Can I go only once or how often should I get a spinal adjustment?
Chiropractic is not addictive. It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed and more energetic as a result of periodic chiropractic care. You may become more sensitive to your body and know when you've lost your spinal alignment.
Of course you can go only once. Once is better than never and a spinal check-up could be the most important check-up of your families life. Once you have been examined, the chiropractor will give you his/her best recommendation, but the choice is always yours. One adjustment can be life changing.
You should get a spinal adjustment as soon as you develop spinal stress. But since spinal stress is often painless, it is good to get your spine checked periodically, as you should get your teeth checked periodically for "painless" cavities.