These days the term “back-to-school” means more than just returning to the classroom. It’s a reminder that a healthy back is important for students of all ages.
That can be tricky. You don’t have to be the parent of a student to know that kids are hauling enormous backpacks, stuffed to the brim, all day long. Add-on musical instruments, athletic gear and, eventually, bulky winter jackets and, if you look closely, you might just see your child under there somewhere. In some cases, you might say they resemble astronauts walking on the moon.
“Going back to school is a hectic time of year that comes with a lot of excitement,” says Dr. Jocelyn Redlinski. “But the busy schedules can cause a lot of stress, too. Waking up and going to bed earlier, eating lunch at school, sports and activities can lead to new aches and pains, fatigue and emotions. These can be small signs that the body is struggling to adjust to the new routine. If we can address these conditions early, they can be treated effectively. So my advice to parents is to be intentional and be aware.”
Redlinski and her husband, Dr. Kent Replogle are the owners of Crossroads Chiropractic in Bellevue. Along with Dr. Tanner Mitchell they treat patients of all ages, with a special emphasis on pediatric care. The clinic is aligned with PX Docs, a pediatric association that specializes in drug-free pediatric care, and the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association (IPCA).
About half of Crossroads’ clientele consists of local adults but about 40 percent are children whose parents bring them from as far away as Memphis, Bowling Green and Alabama.
According to Redlinski, back pain frequently is neurological in origin and that the stress introduced by a heavy backpack can be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
“There will usually be precursors that lead to back pain,” she says. “Kids are under more stress than usual. Things like screen time and school obligations, and travel ball during the summer, can overwhelm the nervous system. So when we see them, we want to get to the root of the problem and not just treat their symptoms. We want to understand how the underlying neurology is working and how it responds to putting that heavy backpack on top.”
Redlinski says that a backpack’s contents should not weigh more than 10-15 percent of the student’s bodyweight. “They also need to know how to carry a backpack properly,” she says. “That means using both straps, which is not cool when kids get older, but it works. Straps need to be adjustable, and the backpack should not be worn too low. It’s a backpack; it’s not supposed to be hitting their butt or their legs.
“There’s also a technique to putting the backpack on and taking it off. It’s no different than teaching someone how to lift a heavy item. Lift with your legs and make sure you’re lifting properly without straining back muscles.
The team at Crossroads can demonstrate and teach clients in the office about implementing proper techniques. Treatment is non-invasive and assessments can determine how much stress is being placed on the nervous system. They can also x-ray for scoliosis and treat with early intervention. Advanced cases can be referred to a specialist.
“This year, whenever possible, I encourage parents, students and teachers to pay attention to their assignments,” Redlinski says. “If that heavy textbook is needed, bring it to school. But if it’s not needed on a particular day, leave it at home.”
Beyond that, Redlinski takes great joy in helping her patients resolve their pain and the underlying issues that trigger it. “It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when we can calm down a child’s nervous system, so that they can go an entire season without injury, so that they can make eye contact … just seeing them become who they’re supposed to be without being bogged down with their health, there’s nothing better.”