Every third schoolchild by the fifth grade experiences spinal curvature.
And it's not just about gadgets: bad habits that are formed at school and at home are to blame. Experts tell us how to protect a child from scoliosis and back pain.
The first thing to pay attention to is the weight of the textbooks. The norm for junior classes is 1.5 kg, for senior students - up to 4 kg.
The backpack should have a firm back and wide straps so that the load is distributed evenly. It is better to avoid shoulder bags - they provoke a spinal imbalance.
The student's workplace requires no less attention. The chair is selected so that the feet are on the floor and the knees form a right angle. The back should fit tightly to the backrest, and a palm should easily fit between the edge of the table and the chest.
If your child slouches, a footrest and a monitor at eye level will help.
Swimming, dancing, skiing are ideal sports for forming a muscular corset. But tennis or fencing create an asymmetrical load, so it is better to combine them with general strengthening training.
Even 15 minutes of exercise a day will reduce the risk of posture problems.
Don't forget about the mattress: a surface that is too soft or too hard will deform the spine during sleep. Orthopedic models support natural curves, and the pillow should be no higher than the width of the child's shoulder.
Experts recommend simple exercises that can be done even during breaks between classes:
- Lying on your stomach, lift your chest and legs, holding for 10 seconds.
- While sitting on a chair, slowly tilt your head toward each shoulder, feeling the stretch in your neck muscles.
- Standing against a wall, press the back of your head, shoulder blades and heels, then step forward, maintaining your posture.
Back health is not only the absence of pain, but also the proper functioning of the lungs, heart and even the brain.
Teach your child to watch his posture now, and he will say “thank you” in 20 years.
