Many individuals face stress in their daily lives. Unfortunately, stress can become so burdensome that it may make everyday tasks difficult, interfere with your quality of life, or interfere with your relationships. Stress may also commonly take on physical manifestations such as neck or shoulder pain, headaches, and more. Although stress is often multifaceted, chronic stress may take a profound toll. Below find some stress relief suggestions and tactics to mitigate stress. Are you dealing with stress and anxiety? If you are struggling with symptoms related to stress and anxiety, you may want to consider discussing your symptoms with a chiropractor and scheduling a consultation with a chiropractor near you. Chiropractic treatments are holistic, mind-body approaches that will help relieve physical manifestation and symptoms related to stress to improve mental health. If you are looking for a drug-free, healthy way to improve your mental health, then chiropractic treatment may be exactly what you are looking for. Contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for Managing Your Stress-related Issues?

People seek chiropractic treatment for many different reasons. Common reasons an individual may seek chiropractic care is to see relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. However, many people don't know that chiropractic treatment may also help with stress-related issues. Stress is known to be correlated to adverse health issues, including emotional and physical problems such as anxiety, depression, headaches, stomach aches, and high blood pressure. Additionally, chronic stress can be directly related to serious medical issues such as heart disease. Rest assured, however, as there are a variety of ways that a person may destress holistically. A chiropractor may help you manage your stress by utilizing various methods designed to relieve tension and improve mood.

Why Is Stress Bad for Your Body?

While your body was made to handle stressors, constant overstimulation and stress can take a toll on the body. Chronic stress has been linked to the following health issues:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Memory issues
• Migraines
• Skin issues
• Weight gain or weight loss

Chiropractic Care for Stress and Anxiety

Whether you experience any of the above stress-related health conditions or not, we at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic encourage you to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you manage your stress and become more comfortable. Chiropractic care may be right for you if you are looking for a healthy, natural way to destress. However, in addition to receiving chiropractic treatment, there are many ways to reduce stress levels naturally. Below we have provided the eight best ways to destress:

8 Best Ways to Destress

Exercise

Even light exercise will lead to the body releasing endorphins which may help improve your mood and increase your feeling of happiness. Physical activity is also linked to reduced stress levels and improved overall health.

Receive Adequate Rest

Ensuring you receive adequate sleep is key to feeling less anxious and less stressed. Ensure that you turn off electronics an hour or two before bedtime, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and reduce any lights or noises that may be disturbing your sleep.

Eat Healthy Foods

Ensuring that you receive adequate nutrition is key to maintaining proper energy levels to help combat stress. By eating unhealthy foods, you may feel sluggish, and energy levels may crash, leading to an increased feeling of stress. In addition, taking stimulants and energy boosters such as nicotine, caffeine, energy drinks, etc. may also add to your stress, rather than help you beat it.

Take Breaks

When overworked, it is a common tendency to continue working in an attempt to “catch up” or “get on top of things”. However, you are more likely to experience fatigue and burnout without taking adequate breaks, leading to increased stress. Ensure that you take breaks to relax and rejuvenate. Self-care is necessary for everyone and, in the long run, will make you a better worker, partner, and friend.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with those you enjoy reduces stress levels. Whether meeting with a friend or family member or spending time with a beloved pet, being around those you love lowers stress levels and increases levels of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, making life all-around more enjoyable.

Meditation

Meditation has helped thousands of individuals destress, decrease anxiety, and help to calm their thoughts, leading to increased feelings of wellness. Meditation is a quick and easy way to help you destress.

Breathwork

Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and anxiety by increasing oxygen levels in the body, reducing the heart rate, and calming the nerves. Guided breathing apps, classes, and videos are available to assist individuals with learning breathwork exercises relieve their stress and anxiety.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments relieve tension and stress in the body, allowing the nervous system to function correctly. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, contact a chiropractor to see what they may be able to do to assist you.

Chiropractic Stress Relief

Does chiropractic care relieve stress? Yes, working with a chiropractor can help address physical stress-related symptoms and develop a plan to get the support and care you need. Stress can lead to physical and mental manifestations, which is why it is essential to make time to destress. In addition, a chiropractor can help relieve spinal blockages to improve the function of the nervous system and address stress-related symptoms such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and more. Chiropractic for Stress and Anxiety Working with the team of professionals at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic is a great way to address your stress-related issues. If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, headaches, or other symptoms or illnesses associated with an overburdened or malfunctioning nervous system, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

Becoming anxious and having feelings of anxiety is a natural defense mechanism of the body designed to alarm us of a potential threat in a complex or challenging situation. However, challenging problems may arise frequently and in varying forms in modern society. Challenges such as work stress, environmental stress, emotional stress, overstimulation, and more can lead to experiencing anxiety symptoms. When the body is frequently bombarded with stress without adequate reprieve, it may lead the body to become “stuck” in “fight or flight” mode. If symptoms from anxiety are interfering with your life or becoming distressful, seeking the help of a professional, such as a doctor, therapist, and/or chiropractor may be warranted.

How Can Chiropractic Help Anxiety?

Mental health awareness is becoming increasingly important as we have found that focusing on mental health drastically improves our quality of life and positively correlates to improved physical health. While mental health may have previously held a negative perception, the APA (American Psychological Association) claims that today the public has a more positive view of mental health disorders and treatment. Anxiety is a common mental health issue that millions of people worldwide struggle with. If you are struggling with anxiety, call Atlas Total Health Chiropractic today or contact us online to see what we may be able to do to help you. Below we detail some of the ways in which chiropractic treatment can help ease suffering related to anxiety disorders.

Chiropractor Treating Anxiety

While the benefits of chiropractic treatment have been convincing for many patients, it will be beneficial for your chiropractic doctor to understand what type of anxiety you have and where it may be coming from. Anxiety can present itself in many forms and with many symptoms. Examples of various types of anxiety conditions include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and more. Anxiety can be situational such as in periods of high stress or may be a life-long issue.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety may manifest itself in varying ways. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Difficulty staying still
• Having cold, sweaty hands or feet
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities
• Feeling an overwhelming feeling of fear or dread
• Inability to sleep
• High blood pressure
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing

Anxiety disorder is not something anyone should easily dismiss, though it is a prevalent ailment. Chiropractic treatment is proving its capability to relieve those suffering from this condition. It is never too late to seek help and make chiropractic care a part of your treatment plan.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Mental Health Improvements

Chiropractic treatment increases blood flow to your brain, which may improve your mental health by aiding in the reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms. Chiropractic treatment can release neurotrophins which can help reduce inflammation, and calm blood flow, thereby improving mood. Chiropractic adjustments can allow our nervous system to return to optimal functioning, allowing us to adjust better to life's stressors. Spinal misalignment can create blockages that interfere with blood flow, which may induce feelings of brain fog. While conversely, chiropractic adjustments can lead to clearer thinking and relief of tension and pain, leading to improved mood and adaptability.

Physical Health Improvements

Improvements in physical health are positively correlated to improvements in mental health, and likewise, mental health is linked to physical health. For example, mental health issues such as anxiety can lead to physical manifestations and pain such as headaches, chest pains, blood pressure spikes, and more. Therefore, it has been found that improvements to the physical body through spinal manipulation and other chiropractic treatments can positively affect an individual's mental health by reducing blood pressure, relieving tension, and releasing feel-good hormones.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic treatment is a holistic method of healing the body and mind. Spinal realignment will lead to optimal body functioning, which can lead to a reduction of anxiety and pain. Many patients may feel relief before leaving the office with natural, noninvasive spinal realignments.

Anxiety Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic treatment for anxiety has been shown to provide patients with the following results:

Improved Sleep

Less muscle tension and relaxed joints can lead to a better sleep cycle, which can tremendously in overcoming anxiety and related symptoms. Improved sleep improves mood, concentration, and focus. Regular treatment can lead to a better-balanced body, improved sleep, and better mood, which all can help combat the negative symptoms associated with anxiety.

No Adverse Side Effects

Unlike anxiety medications, chiropractic treatment has no adverse side effects. Chiropractic treatment does not involve the use of pharmaceutical medications but utilizes the body's natural healing ability to heal itself by adjusting the spine and joints. While anxiety medications may cause lethargy, weight gain, and other unwanted symptoms, chiropractic treatment has no adverse side effects. Feel-Good Hormones Undeniably, chiropractic treatment for anxiety can bring feelings of happiness. This is because chiropractic treatment can stimulate oxytocin, neurotensin, and cortisol, all of which are hormones responsible for the regulation of stress.

Lowering Blood Pressure

Stress and anxiety are positively correlated to higher blood pressure rates. Conversely, when blood pressure is normal, we feel more relaxed and prepared to handle more challenges. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to lower blood pressure while also releasing muscle tension.

Holistic, Natural Treatment

Unlike other approaches, chiropractic care doesn't focus on treating specific symptoms but rather on treating the body as a whole. Chiropractic treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and a custom-tailored care plan will be made for you to suit your medical conditions and lifestyle. As chiropractors are wellness practitioners who are often additionally trained in other areas such as nutrition, fitness, and more, it will be easy to get a well-rounded approach to managing your anxiety and improving your general well-being.

Chattanooga Chiropractor

Contact the chiropractors at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic today if you or a loved one has been suffering from anxiety. We have some of the area's most skilled and experienced chiropractors willing to guide and join you in your wellness journey and help relieve some of the negative symptoms associated with this condition. If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, headaches, or any other symptoms or illnesses associated with an overburdened or malfunctioning nervous system, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

Fatigue is the common experience of having difficulty concentrating, reduced energy, and a lack of motivation. Fatigue is generally not relieved by rest. Many lifestyle and medical factors may lead to feelings of fatigue, and long-lasting fatigue may lead to additional physical and emotional consequences. While fatigue can indicate a more serious mental or physical condition, it is a common symptom experienced by many people for various reasons.

Why People Feel Fatigued

Individuals may experience fatigue for various reasons, such as stress, boredom, lack of physical activity, or emotional stress. Many Americans report feeling constantly fatigued. In fact, 38% of American adults report feeling fatigued after waking in the morning most mornings. Fatigue may be caused by several reasons, but it is often caused by lack of rejuvenating sleep, lack of exercise, diet, and other lifestyle habits. However, fatigue may also be caused by medical conditions, overwork or stressful workplaces, and other factors. We will explore some of the most common factors leading to fatigue below:

Medical Related Fatigue

• Autoimmune disorders
• Anemia
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Medication side-effects
• Other Medical Conditions

Workplace Related Fatigue

If you have a stressful job and perform tasks such as working long hours, working irregular hours, having high workloads, having a physically demanding job, or a position in which you experience high-emotion or high-stress encounters regularly, you may feel overworked and experience burnout. Additionally, situations such as being in a hostile work environment, having a lack of socialization, having a chaotic or monotonous work environment, or having unclear job expectations can lead to workplace burnout and fatigue.

Lifestyle Related Fatigue

Lifestyle choices may contribute to feeling fatigued. Unhealthy eating habits and habits such as regularly consuming alcohol and/or caffeine may fatigue the body and disrupt sleep. Ensure you drink plenty of water; proper hydration will improve energy levels. Addressing sleep disturbances will also play a significant factor in remedying fatigue. Sleep disturbances such as uncomfortable temperatures, noise, light, and uncomfortable sleeping environments may disrupt sleep and lead to increased fatigue. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles may lead to greater feelings of fatigue. Without proper exercise, your energy levels may diminish, leading to an unwanted cycle of exhaustion and feeling unmotivated and too tired to participate in physical activities. Conversely, even light exercise, such as a brisk walk, can increase energy levels. Finally, stressful home environments and emotional stress may lead to increased feelings of fatigue.

Natural Energy Booster for Fatigue

Here at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic, we promote natural ways to boost energy and fight fatigue. Below find some natural ways to boost energy levels and fight fatigue and pain.

Eat the Right Foods

Energy-rich natural foods are foundational to overall health and optimal energy levels. It is known that proper nutrition and eating habits are crucial to vitality and disease prevention. Likewise, eating unhealthy foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and conditions that may induce chronic fatigue. To sustain energy levels, avoiding foods high in sugars that may cause a blood sugar spike and a corresponding crash is necessary. Instead, opt for high protein foods low on the glycemic index, providing a longer-lasting energy source.

Consider Energy Supplements

Especially if your diet is less than optimal, nutritional deficiencies can lead to sluggishness and brain fog. Many individuals have found benefits in taking B vitamins to help boost energy. Other natural supplements that increase energy levels include magnesium, iron, and zinc. Avoid taking stimulant supplements such as caffeine and energy drinks, as these may lead to crashing, adrenal fatigue, and other unwanted side effects.

Get Daily Exercise

Many Americans, especially those suffering from chronic fatigue, may not get adequate exercise throughout the week. People who are overstressed, overworked, or suffer from medical conditions leading to chronic fatigue may not feel up to exercising. However, this is a mistake, as physical activity is necessary to increase energy levels and release endorphins. Being active is also correlated with reducing depression and anxiety and is a great mood elevator and stress reliever. Light exercise, even brisk walking, gentle yoga, or stretching, can help boost blood flow and re-energize the body. The more you exercise, the more your energy levels will improve. In addition, the more you exercise regularly over time, the more your body will maintain your endurance throughout the day.

Get Outdoors

Research has shown that receiving fresh air and sunlight can improve your memory, concentration, and creativity levels and elevate your mood, making you less likely to suffer from symptoms of fatigue. Spending even a few minutes outdoors daily can boost energy and focus and help reinvigorate the body and wake up the mind.

Maintain Proper Hydration

One of the most overlooked causes of headaches and fatigue is dehydration. Dehydration affects metabolism and leads to a sluggish feeling. If you feel fatigued, opt for water instead of coffee or an energy drink and see how your energy levels improve. Also, ensure that your electrolytes are being replenished with essential minerals.

Consider Aromatherapy

Using essential oils therapeutically to address physical ailments has been utilized by health practitioners for thousands of years. For example, essential oils such as orange, cinnamon, peppermint, and rosemary can help you to wake up, concentrate, and feel more energized. Essential oils may be applied directly to your wrists, temple, or neck, or otherwise may be added to a diffuser.

Reduce Stress

Over time, chronic stress can cause chronic fatigue and pain. Similarly, people who are overstressed and overworked rarely make time for healthy habits such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. If you are feeling chronic fatigue, it is best to reevaluate your lifestyle and see what steps you may be able to take to lighten your load. Meditation is a quick, simple way to reduce stress levels, and you may find a quick energy boost.

Improve Quality of Sleep

To maintain natural energy, it is also essential to look at sleep habits. Interrupted sleep, such as altering bedtimes, having too much noise, light, etc. in your bedroom, having an uncomfortable sleep environment, or waking up consistently to use the bathroom, can all lead to interrupted sleep. Stop drinking liquids before bedtime, try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule, and minimize electronics usage an hour or two before bedtime.

Fight Fatigue Naturally

Fatigue and pain are commonly reported symptoms among individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, and other medical conditions. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, natural approach to treating pain. Chiropractic treatment can also reduce symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, and stress and help treat symptoms related to an overburdened or malfunctioning nervous system. Contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

As so many situations may arise leading to stiffness of the neck or neck pain, stiff necks are one of the most commonly treated ailments in today’s society. Sitting at a computer for long hours during the day, sleeping improperly at night, being involved in a car collision, or even jolting the neck suddenly from a quick movement can result in muscle stiffness and pain. If you are suffering from neck discomfort, whether chronic or acute, know that a chiropractor can help to relieve your pain. Neck stiffness is generally described as a difficulty moving the neck accompanied by soreness, pain, headache, and/or arm or shoulder pain. As a master of spinal alignment and spinal treatments, a chiropractic practitioner may be a good choice for treating neck stiffness and pain. If you are looking for a drug-free, holistic way to improve your discomfort, then contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Stiff Neck?

Many of our patients come to us with complaints of neck pain and stiffness of the neck. Neck stiffness may lead to muscle tightness, headaches, reduced mobility, and debilitating pain. Stiff necks are most commonly due to bad posture and muscle tension caused by activities such as sleeping in awkward positions, overexerting muscles, or spending too much time on a computer or other screen. Neck stiffness and pain may also be caused by working out, heaving, lifting, or other strenuous activities. Below are some other contributing factors that may lead to neck pain.

Muscle Strains

Stiff necks may be induced easily by wearing out the muscles from bending to look at electronic devices or holding an unnatural position for a long time. As this issue has been increasingly prevalent, it has been colloquially called 'text neck' or 'tech neck.' Overstretching muscles may lead to muscle tearing, inflammation, and swelling along the neck. If you feel pain when moving your head, you may have muscle strain in the neck.

Worn Joints

Joints may easily become overtaxed with age, leading to arthritis of the neck or cervical spondylosis. Wear and tear to the neck may result in weakening and dwindling of the spine and a loss of motion. Around 85% of the elderly population will experience osteoarthritis. If you experience pain when turning your head, headaches, numbness, and weakness, you may be experiencing arthritis of the neck.

Nerve Compression

A pinched nerve, otherwise known as cervical radiculopathy, may cause pain or stiffness in the neck, upper back, shoulders, or arms. Additionally, you may experience numbness and weakness. A pinched nerve is often accompanied by burning or sharp shooting pains down the arm from the neck, which may be worsened by movements, such as turning the head.

Injuries

Experiencing stiff neck or neck pain may also be associated with an injury, such as whiplash. Whiplash is an injury that occurs from a sudden jolting of the head and may arise from a fall, sports injury, or car collision.

Sleep Positions

It is not uncommon to experience neck pain or stiffness from sleeping in an improper position. Sleeping on the back or sides is the best opportunity for cervical support. Additionally, rounded pillows that support the crevice of the neck are recommended, as well as avoiding overly large or firm pillows.

Heavy Lifting

Heavy lifting, such as moving furniture or lifting weights, may lead to a neck injury and muscle strain. Ensure that you use proper lifting practices by attempting to lift from your center of gravity and use your legs and hips to pick up heavy items rather than your back.

Diseases

Diseases, especially diseases that are associated with inflammation, such as meningitis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to neck pain.

At- Home Stiff Neck Treatments

Although it may seem counterintuitive to work these muscles when experiencing pain, exercise will aid in reducing neck stiffness and pain. Gentle activities such as stretching, yoga, or swimming may reduce the risk of chronic pain after an injury. Strengthening exercises and stretching have shown positive results. Additionally, applying a heating pad or ice pack may help with inflammation and reduce pain. Ice will reduce swelling, and heat will help increase blood flow. After an injury, do not immediately apply heat, as this may cause further damage. Applying cold or heat for 15-20 minutes at a time is sufficient.

Chiropractic Stiff Neck Treatments

Chiropractic stiff neck treatments are non-surgical, non-invasive, and drug-free. Most chiropractic practitioners will utilize a combination of therapies and techniques, including but not limited to:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation involves the moving and jolting of joints to reduce inflammation and relieve tension and pressure on the joints. Spinal manipulation is designed to improve nerve function. Spinal manipulation may be used in conjunction with massage and physical therapy to achieve desired results.

Flexion Distraction Technique

Flexion distraction involves putting pressure on the spine to resolve bulges and disc herniations while reducing inflammation.

Instrument-Assisted Manipulation

Handheld instruments may be used during manipulation to apply additional force to the spine. Other interventions ay accompany these treatments. Stiff Neck Chiropractic Adjustment If you have been experiencing pain and stiffness of the neck for over a week, you should seek medical evaluation. In addition, you should see a medical professional immediately if you are experiencing any red flag symptoms in addition to neck pain and stiffness, such as nausea, vomiting, lethargy, or fever, as you may be suffering from a serious disease such as meningitis. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, consider booking a consultation with a chiropractor right away:

• Neck pain and stiffness for more than a few days
• Relying on over-the-counter medications to manage neck pain
• Unable to turn your head without pain
• Experiencing numbness or tingling of the arms alongside neck pain

Contact Atlas Total Health by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

With back-to-school time just around the corner, it is essential to keep backpack safety in mind, as an improper-fitting or overweight backpack can lead to substantial back and neck pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, children and teenagers are experiencing back pain much sooner than in previous generations. This may be partly attributed to heavyweight backpacks and associated improper posture. As chiropractors commonly treat back and neck pain, one thing we hate to see is young adults, teenagers, or even children suffering from needless neck and back pain. Still, it is not only children who may be affected by improper usage of backpacks. Today it is also common for working adults, college students, mothers, travelers, and other individuals to overstuff a bag to hold clothes, books, computers, journals, and other supplies for themselves, their studies, their work, or their family. If you, or your child, are experiencing any back or neck pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or visiting us online to schedule your consultation to see what we can do to get you back to optimal health. Below are some of our backpack safety tips to consider to reduce the chance of incurring an injury.

Selecting a Backpack

In addition to back-to-school time approaching quickly, casual backpack usage amongst adults has been trending. Shoppers can readily find trending new backpacks online, in department stores, in luxury stores, and featured on social media feeds. Keep in mind that many of these backpacks do not consider ergonomics. Backpacks were intended to distribute heavy loads needing to be transported onto the lower and middle back to stabilize the body and prevent fatigue. When it comes to preventing back and neck pain and backpack safety, selecting a good backpack and ensuring that it is not overweight can prevent any discomfort or pain. When most individuals think of back and neck pain, they tend to consider the older adult population. However, it has been found that children and teenagers are suffering from neck and back pain at an alarming rate. According to the American Chiropractic Association, overweight backpacks frequently contribute to back pain in minors. Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission discovered during a recent study that 75% of children between 8-12 complained of suffering from back pain due to their backpacks. As backpacks are often the most practical method to transport school supplies, they are utilized by millions of American students each year. However, if these backpacks are not used correctly or are overweight, they can lead to shoulder, neck, and back pain. Sadly, it is estimated that nearly 14,000 children are medically treated for backpack injuries each year. In 2016, over 6,300 kids required Emergency Room treatment due to their backpack-related injuries. As the potential for serious injury is high, it is essential that you take care when selecting a backpack to ensure that you choose the backpack that is least likely to cause injuries. When selecting a new backpack, you will want to look for the following features to ensure that the strain on you, or your child's, neck and back is minimized:

• Wide, padded straps
• Back padding
• Waist strap
• Multiple compartments

Backpack Safety Tips

The American Chiropractic Association offers the following backpack safety tips to ensure that neck and back problems are avoided for both adults and children.

• Ensure your backpack does not weigh more than 5-10% of your body weight
• Backpacks should not hang lower than 4" below the waist. Tighten straps so the backpack will not encourage a forward-leaning motion to support its weight.
• Remember that bigger is not always better and select a backpack that is made from lightweight materials.
• Choose a backpack with multiple compartments to evenly distribute weight.
• Ensure that you wear both shoulder straps instead of carrying it by one strap
• If your child's backpack is still too heavy, discuss leaving some materials and textbooks at school with your child's teacher.
• Remove unnecessary items
• Put heavier items at the bottom.
• Lift your backpack by bending at the knee. Do not bend over to lift, as this may cause a strain on the back. Squat and lift to prevent unnecessary pain.
• If they must lean forward to stand or walk, the bag is too heavy (keep the backpack limited to the essentials even if it means taking a second bag for afterschool activities, etc.)

Choosing a suitable backpack and wearing it appropriately will prevent pain and discomfort in the back and neck. However, if you or your child begins to suffer problems due to wearing a backpack, consider visiting a chiropractor. Backpacks, especially if they are oversized, may push a child's head forward, encouraging an unnatural posture. As this occurs at a young age, over time, this undesirable posture may place an enormous amount of stress on their nervous system and spine, affecting your child's overall health. In addition, the stress placed on the nervous system due to abnormal spinal and neck posture has been proven to affect how a child functions and develops, which may increase the risk of developing an unwanted medical condition.

Backpack Safety

Ensuring your child's backpack is child-safe is essential to preventing injury and associated neck and back pain. Have you ever noticed that your child's backpack seems to weigh around 50lbs? When we consider the fact that many school districts no longer provide lockers, these trends found in students may not be surprising. A recent Italian study indicated that an average child carries a backpack that would be equivalent to a 29lb load for a 132lb woman, a 39lb load, or a 176lb man. Or is lunging your work or travel backpack burdening your neck, shoulders, or back? Ensuring that you select an ergonomic backpack that it is not overweight is key to preventing back and neck pain. However, if you or your child are experiencing back or neck pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or online to receive a consultation and see what we can do to get you or your child back to optimal health.