Prioritise a Healthy Spine this Back-to-School Season

The holidays have passed. Laughs were shared. Memories were formed. Hopefully you’re feeling rested, because January is here, bringing with it a new year, fresh start, and, crucially for the little ones in our life, another school year!

Across the country, millions of Australian children are preparing to return to the classroom. Some may be anxious, and others excited as their shoes are shined and uniforms ironed in preparation for school. While parents have plenty on their mind at this time of year, it’s important they remind their children of the importance of spinal health ahead of the school year.

Children spend over half their year at school and although steps are taken to ensure they sit with correct posture, the reality is much of that time is spent contorting their backs into unnatural positions, whether this be slouching over their desk or incorrectly strapping their heavy backpack. These things happen, but the effects on their growing spines are immense.

As local chiropractors, we possess the tools to properly assess your child’s spine and provide them valuable lessons on maintaining the correct posture during school hours. What’s more, we can advise them on how to properly wear their backpack and can even adjust it during the consultation.

In addition to your consultation, we provide valuable educational resources to help you and your child start the school year strong! Developed by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) as part of their Back to School campaign, these handouts are designed to support your child’s spinal health and overall wellbeing.

You’ll receive the Back to School Health Checklist — a simple and practical tool to help your child develop healthy habits that will continue beyond their school years. Additionally, the 'Backpack Safety' flyer offers essential tips for selecting, packing, and wearing backpacks properly to avoid unnecessary strain, while the 'Back to School Sitting Correctly' flyer provides advice on maintaining good posture in the classroom to boost comfort and focus. These take-home resources are your go-to for keeping your child’s spine healthy and strong throughout the school year.

This year, we also have a fun colouring book to help inspire your child’s imagination and foster creativity. You can even enter their favourite ‘masterpiece’ into the ACA’s colouring competition to win a brilliant ‘Back to School’ starter kit. This kit includes an ACA-endorsed Spartan Backpack, assorted stationery, a lunch box and a water bottle. Entries close 27January 2025. Pick up your complimentary ‘Back to School’ handouts or colouring book from us today.

If you’re concerned about your child’s spine or any other back to school related activities, book an appointment with us via 08 9455 2959 or book online via our website

For more information on the ACA’s Back to School campaign, visit backtoschool.org.au