Can Poor Posture as a Child Impact Health in Adulthood?
Good posture is developed from good habits, which is why it is so important to encourage children to stand up straight. Otherwise, bad habits can develop which can lead to issues later in life. Many adults with chronic back pain can trace their issues back to a childhood injury or a lack of proper posture habits established as kids.
Children are at a greater risk for back and spine injuries because they are in the still growing and tend to be more active than adults. Studies show that injuries are more common among children who engage in sports or recreation regularly, and nearly one third of all injuries experienced by children are related to sports. Stresses and traumas that occur during childhood can also lead to spinal dysfunction later in life. Furthermore, the heavy backpacks our kids carry can contribute to postural problems and cases of spinal dysfunction.
There is a correlation between a lack of proper spinal maintenance and the development of scoliosis in children and teens. What’s more, it seems that children who practice proper spinal health habits have far fewer health problems than those who do not. They can experience fewer occurrences of scoliosis, growing pains and other health problems. That’s why it is so critical to have your child’s posture checked and monitored throughout their development.
The Consequences of Poor Posture
People who neglect proper posture in their youth may experience some notable decreases in the quality of life as they age. Poor posture in one’s youth extracts a high price in adulthood for a variety of reasons:
- It can impact the effectiveness of internal organs. Without proper posture, lungs are forced to work at reduced capacity, which leads to a decrease of oxygen in the body. The digestive system also must work harder to function. What’s more, cardiovascular health is often compromised by consistent poor posture.
- It can limit a person’s range of motion. When a slumped-over posture becomes the normal position, it can lead to muscles becoming permanently shortened or stretched.
- It can negatively impact mental health and emotions. Improper posture and poor support of the body can lead to a decrease in overall energy levels. This makes it harder to stay active and enjoy what life has to offer, which can lead to depressed feelings and an increase in negative emotions.
Chiropractic Care Can Help!
Good posture habits should be cultivated from a young age. Bad posture habits that go unchecked can lead to a life of increased risk for a variety of health issues. Chiropractic care can help young people develop healthy habits to contribute to a healthier posture. In addition, it can identify subluxations that can be addressed at an earlier age to help keep their spine functioning at its best.