Childhood Obesity Ends Up in Poor Posture and Back Pain

Researchers had compared the Body Mass Index (BMI) of 1,373 children from the long term Raine Study encompassing a period of twelve years (age range was from three to twelve) with specific standing postures measured at age 14.

The findings had shown there was a clear association between BMI and posture. Four main posture groups had been defined; neutral, flat, sway and hyperlordotic. The groups had been classified by angular measurements of the pelvis and spine of teenagers photographed from the side on.

Dr. Anne Smith, Senior Lecturer, Research Fellow at the School of Physiotherapy, stated that researchers had discovered that teenagers with a higher BMI had a greater chance of standing with non-natural postures which places more strain on the spine and causing a higher risk for back pain.

The association between BMI and spinal posture is of concern due to the fact it does suggest increasing weight on the spine over the growth period could change the structure of the spine.

Also indicated that BMI remains fairly steady from early life through to adolescents.

According to Dr. Smith, they had discovered to regards of BMI for most teenagers where they were at three is where they are at 14.

Out of the six groups only one group had an increasing BMI.

In conclusion Dr. Smith notes that the study was of importance due to the fact it emphasizes a vital factor for bone and joint health and development. It also is a risk factor for many other well known health issues. The findings stress the importance of obesity prevention as early in life as possible.

The reports of childhood obesity have been running ramped all over the news due to the rates tripling over the last three decades. This is putting children at risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. To help with this problem health professionals are suggesting parents start at home in aiding their children's health for the future.

Children need to consume fruits and vegetables and far less sugary beverages and sweets. At minimum they need at least one hour of physical activity daily.

Many spinal problems seen today in adults had started as early as birth. Natural birthing can stress a child's spine and developing nervous system. This ends up with irritation to the nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment which can cause numerous newborn health issues such as colic, breathing problems and sleep disorders.

Now more and more parent's are turning to chiropractic care for their children. One main reason is when a child has a properly aligned spine they hold a better chance for good health.

Starting at birth children go through a variety of mini-traumas and frequent falls as they are starting to learn to crawl, walk and later on run. Chiropractic adjustments provide children with an advantage by decreasing numerous physical stresses they have in life.

During the first ten years of a child's life the spine rapidly develops. Everyday occurrences such as wearing back packs, using the computer more frequently, poor posture and injuries sustained playing sports or participating in other physical activities can produce a spinal misalignment. This misalignment can put pressure on a child's nervous system. When the nervous system is not functioning properly it can end up causing symptoms in associated organs, muscles and various systems in the body. These symptoms can range from colic to asthma, hyperactivity, bed wetting, ear infections, stomach aches, cold and flu frequency. All those symptoms may be due to an misalignment of the spine.

Chiropractors use safe and gentle adjustments to align the child's spine with specific contacts, decreasing pressure on the nervous system and allow the body to naturally heal itself. Chiropractors have been adjusting children for more than a 100 years. The benefits chiropractic care can provide is a fountain of wealth.

Adjustments can start right before the baby is born. When the mother has a properly aligned pelvis it can aide in having a safe vaginal birth. If in the last trimester the pelvis is misaligned, the fetus can be malpostioned causing in-utero constraint. Making birth difficult. When the chiropractor adjusts the pelvis this allows for the fetus to be in the proper position for a safe delivery.

Evaluations of babies can be done right after birth. Even with a normal birth, there is stress to a babies spine and nervous system. If an adjustment is required it is done with non-force pressure and maintained at a minimum.

Children should be checked by chiropractors on a regular basis. Chiropractic care is a drug free approach for numerous children and entire families. Many use chiropractic care for acute and chronic problems, a preventive approach to numerous health issues.

Many parents have reported their children enjoy chiropractic adjustments and look forward to regular visits. Parents have also reported greater health in their children such as fewer colds when using regular chiropractic care.Sources:

USA Weekend

Penn Live

ICPA For Kids

Medical News Today