Back to school is a time of excitement and new beginnings. But it can also be a time of stress and strain on our kids bodies. As we, and they, adjust to new schedules and activities it’s important to be mindful of our health and take steps to prevent joint pain.

Joint pain is a common problem, even among children and adolescents. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Overuse: When adults and kids use our joints too much, they can become inflamed and painful. This is especially common in activities that involve repetitive movements, such as carrying heavy backpacks, school sports, or simply sitting for long periods of time.
• Injury: Joint pain can also be caused by injuries, such as falls or sports-related accidents.
• Degenerative conditions: Some kids are even prone to joint pain due to underlying conditions, such as juvenile arthritis or scoliosis.

No matter what the cause, joint pain can be a real nuisance. It can make it difficult to participate in activities they enjoy, and it can even interfere with sleep.

Here are some tips to help prevent joint pain for kids going back to school:

• Listen to the body: If they’re feeling pain, don’t push them too hard. Have them modify sporting activities as needed.
• Warm up before exercise: Warming up helps to prepare muscles and joints for activity. This can help to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of pain.
• Cool down after exercise: Cooling down helps to flush out lactic acid and other toxins from muscles. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness.
• Strengthen your core: A strong core helps to support your spine and reduce stress on your joints. There are many exercises that you and your kids can do to strengthen your core, such as planks, crunches, and bird dogs.
• Stretch regularly: Stretching helps to keep muscles flexible and prevent them from becoming tight. This can help to reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
• Carry your backpack properly: Make sure that backpacks are evenly weighted and that the straps are adjusted so that they’re comfortable.
• Take breaks: Sitting in class for long periods of time, kids should get up and move around every 20-30 minutes when appropriate. This will help to keep blood flowing and prevent muscles from getting stiff.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent joint pain for your kids as they head back to school. This will also help you to stay active and enjoy all that the new school year has to offer.

If you or your adolescent is experiencing joint pain, call Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics. We can help you both determine the cause of pain and recommend treatment options. 423-499-0003