Childhood today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Between heavy backpacks, hours of screen time, and less physical activity, many children are developing posture problems and musculoskeletal stress much earlier than expected. What’s concerning is that these habits—if not corrected—can affect their health and comfort well into adulthood.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in. Gentle, safe, and tailored for kids, chiropractic can help keep growing spines healthy, improve posture, and prevent small issues from turning into long-term problems.
The Backpack Burden: More Than Just Heavy Books
Backpacks are one of the biggest contributors to spinal stress in children. Studies show that a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of their body weight. Yet, research finds that many children carry up to 20–25%—sometimes more—especially in middle and high school.
Why it matters:
Heavy loads pull children backward, making them lean forward or arch their back unnaturally.
Over time, this can cause rounded shoulders, uneven hips, and spinal misalignments.
Kids may complain of back pain, shoulder soreness, or fatigue after school.
Proven tip: Encourage kids to wear both straps, keep heavier items closer to the body, and lighten the load when possible. Regular chiropractic visits help ensure that these daily stresses don’t create lasting spinal issues.
Tech Neck: The Screen Time Side Effect
The average child now spends 5–7 hours a day on screens (phones, tablets, laptops, or gaming consoles). The problem? Looking down at a device adds an extra 20–30 pounds of pressure on the neck compared to a neutral posture.
Common symptoms include:
Headaches, especially after long screen sessions
Stiffness in the neck and upper back
Slouching or “hunched” posture
Fatigue and lack of focus
Why it matters: Children’s spines are still developing. Poor posture during growth years can reshape spinal curves, making issues harder to fix later in life. Chiropractic adjustments and posture coaching give kids the support they need to correct these imbalances early.
Growing Bodies Under Extra Stress
Kids are resilient, but their bodies are still developing. Everyday bumps and falls, sports injuries, and long hours sitting in class all add up. When spinal misalignments or poor posture go unchecked, they can affect:
Mobility – limiting how freely kids move and play
Comfort – leading to aches, stiffness, or even early back pain
Nervous system function – since the spine protects nerves that control the whole body
Chiropractors often see kids with subtle posture issues that parents may not notice until symptoms appear. Early care is key.
How Chiropractic Supports Kids’ Health
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness in Los Angeles, we provide gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care for children. Parents often notice improvements not just in posture, but in overall comfort and well-being.
Benefits include:
Healthy spinal growth – keeps alignment on track during growth spurts.
Less muscle and joint stress – easing the burden of backpacks and screen habits.
Better posture habits – guidance on sitting, standing, and carrying loads correctly.
Support for young athletes – helping prevent injuries and speeding recovery from sports strains.
Chiropractic care for kids is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free, making it an excellent option for families looking for natural solutions.
The Takeaway
Today’s kids face challenges their parents never did—heavier backpacks, more screen time, and less movement. These everyday stresses can add up, leading to posture issues and discomfort at younger ages.
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, recognized as one of the best chiropractors in Los Angeles, gives families a proven, natural way to keep children’s spines healthy and set them up for better habits as they grow. By addressing problems early, parents can help their kids stay active, comfortable, and ready for whatever life throws their way.
📍 Visit Us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 https://re-laxchiropractic.com
👉 Want to make sure your child’s posture and spine are healthy? Schedule an appointment today and give them the foundation for a stronger, healthier future.