As the twig is bent so grows the Tree!

In our western culture,good posture is considered very important.

For instance.in our words an honest person is known as ‘upright;yet if you are not then you are either ‘crooked’ or ’spineless’.It is unfortunate,but how you look may also influence how some people treat you.

Many parents are concerned about this,but only apply this knowledge to their child or teenager’s teeth-lots of time and effort go into getting an even smile-but there is less attention given to their child’s posture and how that child moves.This is shortsighted not only because of ‘appearance’,but also because untreated poor posture may cause future health problems and an increased risk of injury.School bags or sports may get blamed for the postural aches and pains rather than the underlying culprit.

How can a child’s bones be affected?

When a child uses their muscles,those muscles tug on the growing bones to guide and shape the development of their skeleton.

Without that appropriate stimulus,their bones will not become strong or correctly formed.Furthermore,if a child or teenager is inactive,or slouches for long periods of time,then their brain eventually believes that ‘faulty’ posture is actually ‘normal’.

Kid’s standing posture-what should you look for?

Firstly with children,check for symmetry-feet,knees,hips and shoulders should line up evenly.

Starting from the ground:

Do both feet,ankles and knees look the same?Do they point in a similar direction?Does one knee bend further backwards than the other?

Are the hips and shoulders level?Are the muscles on either side of the body the same size?Does one buttock,ribs or shoulder blade stick out more?

Are the shoulders drawn forward or the hands turned inwards?What is the position of the child’s head?Is it stuck forward,turned or tilted to one side?

Then look for balance and movement:

Can a child balance quietly on either leg without waving their arms or non-standing leg?Do they waddle when they walk,or appear awkward when they run?Can they bend or turn as far to left as they can to the right?Dose their spine look straight when they bend forward to touch their toe?

What if something doesn’t look right?

There is obviously a range of what is acceptable and the best starting place is with people who understand normal posture,Know what to look for,and what to do if some clinical care is required.

Ask your chiropractor.

Can Trigger Spinal Pain! Fashionable things attract more than a second glance.

Most people are careful when they lift or shift heavy loads.Unfortunately,the smaller loads can be just a troublesome and the result is needing Chiropractic care.

Briefcases,shoulder bags and backpacks can all cause health problems,especially when loaded up.Not surprising when it has been estimated that carrying as little as 10% of your body weight can upset your postural alignment.

Carrying a weight on one-side changes the natural rhythm of your upper and lower body.The unloaded side often tightens to counter the weight.

This Causes a spinal curvature and the smooth coordinated swinging of your arms and legs is replaced by a gait that is more awkward and rigid Muscles become tense while other parts of the spine lose their normal free movement.

Once you add a few items,even thin-strapped shoulder bags may cause injuries.The thin strap may cut into the neck and shoulder muscles causing pain,tenderness and tightness.Even smaller handbags,purses and wallets can cause postural mischief.Having to hold ATM cards,coins and personal identification have made these carry-alls evolve to become thicker.

Problems begin to arise when you want to keep your hands free-often the now bulky wallet ends up in the back pocket.Sitting down will then press the wallet into one of the buttock muscles.The person becomes propped up on one cheek and their spine curves,causing uneven muscle tension.

Prolonged pressure against the buttock may cause pain,tightness and even bruising.Hard pressure through the muscle can also irritate the sciatic nerve:you can end up with a sore bottom as well as a nagging ache and numbness that travel down your leg!

Tips to save your spine:

Empty any unnecessary items from your bag or wallet;

Place the wallet and mobile phone in the front pockets of the bag-saves you having to stretch;

select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap-long enough to place it over your head-to evenly distribute the load across the body;

Swap the carry side frequently;

Don’t sit or drive with a wallet in your back pocket.

Followers of fashion tend to be more concerned with the way something looks rather than the way it feels.That may be OK for a while,but it is generally wiser to listen to your body and perhaps ask your chiropractor for advice.After all is’s hard to be stylish when you’re wincing with pain!

Keeps you healthy and happy.

We are ‘touch feely’ creatures.In fact our brains depend upon a certain level of stimulation that comes from having our skin touched and moved.

This has been shown in many studies.Therapeutic massage has been found to be helpful for those who have mild depression.Infants who receive regular baby massages show more confidence and independence.

Nursing homes have found that having pets around with the elderly offer therapeutic benefits which has been attributed to physical contact-the petting of animal is good for both the ‘pattee’ and the ‘patter’.

There may be ‘different strokes for different folks’but everyone needs at least some level of physical contact to be healthy and happy.

That is one of the reasons people like Chiropractors and hands-on health professions.

Massage and pampering to treat your mind body and soul,take time out to relieve your muscular aches and tension,smoothe away stress and anxiety,increase energy and performance.

Revitalise your health and wellbeing.A massage promotes a deep sense of relaxation,and helps your body to heal itself naturally.It feels nurturing and comforting,and restores balance and harmony to mind and body.