Youth sports are a big deal. It's estimated that over 45 million kids are actively engaged in sports! While sports give kids a fantastic opportunity to grow socially and physically, they also increase risks for injuries, pain from overuse, and muscular imbalances. Finding proactive ways to reduce the risk of injury and balance the effects of training are essential for your child's developing musculoskeletal system.
Your child's skeletal system is actively developing until they are approximately 25 years old. Their postural habits, history of injuries, and genetics play a role in their body's final form (and function). Sports have the potential to add a significant amount of stress and increase the chances of injuries for your developing child. Even small injuries to their spine can create bigger challenges down the road as they get older.
To recap:
Remember, don't shrug it off if your child complains of back pain, headaches, or a stiff neck. Pain is a signal to "Pay Attention Inside Now." The good news? Our practitioners are experienced at evaluating active children and creating kid-friendly care plans. Together, we can help your child stay engaged with their favorite sports for years to come.
Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021.
Back Pain in School Children. Dynamic Chiropractic. 1995.
School Children's Backpacks, Back Pain and Back Pathologies. Arch Dis Child. 2012.
Specialization & Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes. UCONN Health. 2017.
Learning Upregulates Neurotrophic Factor. Behavioral Neuroscience. 2019.
The Anti-Depressant effect of Running. Intl Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005.
Regular Exercise Changes the Brain. Harvard Health Publishing. 2014.
How Exercise Affects Your Brain. Scientific American. 2018.
Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine caused by Posture. Surg Tech Intl. 2014.
Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021.
Three Steps to Build a Better Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2015.
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Dr. Smith
Dr. Alys Smith provides quality chiropractic care to patients in the Downtown Seattle and surrounding areas. If you suffer from back pain, neck pain, headache, sciatica or have been in an auto collision, Dr. Alys Smith can get you back on the road to health.