Poor posture in a child can develop into bigger problems in the adult. Luckily it can be remedied by a chiropractor.

So, how do you identify poor posture in your kids and how do you fix it?

Check your child’s posture

Kneel or stand behind your child as they stand directly in front of a mirror, and look at their posture. Start by looking at their head.

• Are their ears level with each other? 
• Can you see more of one cheek than the other? 
• Is one of their shoulders slightly higher than the opposite shoulder? 
• If you place your hands on the tops of their hips, are they even? 
• Is one foot turned out more than the other one?

Is your kid’s spine misaligned?

If you answered yes to any of these questions it might indicate that your child may have uneven posture. This means that the spinal muscles are not equally balanced from side to side. If the muscles attached to the bones of the spine are out of balance, this can be a sign that your child’s spine is out of alignment.

This not only sets the stage for future injuries, but it can also interfere with your child’s concentration and behaviour. A balanced spine and nervous system is essential to proper communication from the brain to the rest of the body and controls how the body adapts and responds to the environment around them.

Straighten up!

Studies have shown that lower back pain often begins in childhood, with 10 per cent of 9-10 year olds suffering from it. Poor posture is one of the main causes. Effects of poor posture include:

• Rounded shoulders
• Bent knees standing or walking
• Head leaning forward or back
• Back pain

But training in good posture from an early age can decrease the prevalence of lower back pain in children. 

Tips for good posture

• Remember the rule of ‘curve reversal’ – if you’ve been leaning over your desk, stretch back the other way;
• Do stretching exercises two or three times a week to boost muscle flexibility;
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and tone;
• Abdominal muscles support your lower back, so make sure they are strong.

Luckily, poor posture can be remedied, especially in children. To avoid the health implications of poor posture as they get older, it’s important to make sure your kids are exercising daily and stretching their muscles. Getting their spines checked by a chiropractor is also a good idea if you are concerned.

Find a chiropractor in your neighbourhood, here.