Backs to School: Helping Kids Beat Posture Problems This School Year

It’s that time of year again — kids are heading back to school (and yes, we meant backs to school!).

If your child has been complaining of back or neck pain, or you’ve noticed their posture slipping since spending more time on devices, you’re not alone. After years of home learning, extra screen time, and heavier school bags, many parents are seeing the physical effects on their kids’ posture.

January is always a busy month for us at Well By Design Chiropractic, with concerned parents bringing in their children for postural checks.

The most common question we hear? “Can you fix this slouch?”

The answer is yes — but just like learning times tables or spelling rules, good posture is a learned habit. A chiropractic adjustment can make a big difference, but lasting improvement comes with repetition, awareness, and daily movement habits.

Why Posture Matters

Poor posture doesn’t just affect how your child looks; it can lead to stiffness, headaches, back pain, and reduced concentration in the classroom. The biggest culprits?

• Long hours of sitting

• Excessive screen time

• Poor desk setup

• Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder

When these habits become the norm, they start to shape the spine and muscles over time — which can be hard to correct later.

Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Posture

Here are a few easy things you can do at home to help your child sit, stand, and move better every day:

• Take regular breaks: Encourage a 5-minute movement break for every hour of screen time.

• Create tech-free zones: No phones at the dinner table — whoever checks theirs first does the dishes!

• Get moving: Choose activities that get them off the couch and away from screens.

• No screens before bed: Blue light and poor posture before sleep aren’t a good combo.

• Encourage “taller,” not “straighter”: Posture should feel strong, not stiff.

And don’t forget — kids follow your lead. Model good habits by limiting your own screen time and keeping your posture tall and open.

Back-to-School Chiropractic Check-Ups

A quick postural and spinal check-up at Well By Design Chiropractic can help identify early changes before they turn into long-term problems. Our chiropractors use gentle, age-appropriate techniques to support healthy spinal growth and help kids feel their best — ready to take on the school year with confidence and comfort.