Teens are often overlooked as candidates for chiropractic care. After all, teens are invincible right? They pay little attention to what they eat, how much sleep they get, or the amount of time focused on social media or video games. Yet, teens on average are among our most physically fit, healthy, and most resilient. Teens go through many changes physically, emotionally and mentally, and can experience pain caused by growth spurts, sports injuries, or hours hunched over devices. There are many unique advantages to teens seeking chiropractic care during this dynamic phase of adolescence.
Back Pain: A 2020 study showed that more than one-third of adolescents complained of back pain. The cause of back pain in teens could be a result of a number of factors. Whether it be poor posture, anxiety, hormonal changes, injuries, or lack of sleep, a chiropractor can help by addressing the root cause of the pain. Regular adjustment help reduce tension in the joints and spine, which helps the body function properly, free from pain and discomfort.
Improved Posture:Â With the prevalence of technology used for both school and entertainment, many teens spend extensive hours hunched over smartphones, tablets, and computers, leading to poor posture. Additionally, many schools have removed lockers and require students to carry their computer, books, and notebooks all day. Some student backpacks can weigh as much as 20 pounds or more. Regular chiropractic adjustments can correct spinal misalignments, promoting better posture and preventing related issues.
Sports and Injuries: Teens are often active and many participate in a variety of sports and other physical activities. While these are beneficial, they often come with an increased risk of injury. Chiropractic care helps maintain proper alignment, which can enhance not just athletic performance and flexibility but also reduce the likelihood of injuries. Chiropractic adjustments can also facilitate quicker recovery and pain relief when injuries inevitably occur.
Growing Pains:Â Teenage years can be marked with growth spurts, which often cause discomfort and growing pains. A chiropractor can help to alleviate these pains by ensuring the musculoskeletal system is balanced and functioning optimally.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction:Â Teens encounter a lot of stress in their lives. Regular chiropractic care sets the stage for them to better handle stress both physically and mentally, by helping to improve their mood. When you feel better physically, you feel better mentally, and the central nervous system, housed within the spine, plays a crucial role in regulating stress and anxiety. Chiropractic care can reduce tension and improve nervous system function, leading to decreased stress levels and enhanced emotional well-being. Having a less-stressed or anxious teenager is a blessing.
Sleep Quality:Â Misalignments in the spine can cause discomfort, impacting sleep quality, and a lack of quality sleep can lead to a number of issues including hormonal imbalances and back pain. Promoting better sleep, reducing pain, and encouraging relaxation are vital for cognitive and physical development.
Inflammation:Â Teens are known for consuming a large quantity of calories due to their rapid growth and active lifestyles. Unfortunately, teens are not always conscientious of the quality of food they are consuming. Poor food choices combined with the often-undue stress that teens put on their bodies because of academic, athletic or social demands, can lead to inflammation in the body. This inflammation, in turn, stiffen joints and can lead to misalignments. The goal of chiropractic care is to ensure proper spinal alignment so that nerve pathways are free of inflammation and stiffness and pain are reduced.
Migraines: Migraine headaches affect as many as 28% of teens between 15–19 years. When a teenager experiences a migraine, it will affect their school, work, and social life. Chiropractic care can reduce the muscle tension that triggers migraines and strengthens the muscles of the spine, restoring blood flow to the brain. Studies have shown that participants who received chiropractic treatment for migraines had significant improvements in their migraine frequency, duration, disability, and medication use.
Put your teen on a healthy pathway to adulthood, by allowing them access to regular chiropractic care, which can help them access their full potential for healthy development. Our team of chiropractors at Legacy Chiropractic are trained to keep teens and young adults’ spines in alignment. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your active teenager and schedule a consultation.
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