How to Protect Your Child’s Spine | Cape Girardeau Chiropractors

As children in Cape Girardeau head back to school, many parents don’t realize one hidden source of strain: the backpack. An overloaded or improperly worn backpack can lead to serious posture issues and even chronic back pain. At Victory Spinal Care, our Cape Girardeau chiropractors—especially our pediatric specialist, Dr. Arielle Bohnert—are passionate about helping kids grow strong and healthy, starting with their spines.

Let’s explore how to protect your child’s back from unnecessary strain, ensure proper posture, and how Cape Girardeau chiropractic care can help address and prevent pediatric back pain.

The Link Between Backpacks and Back Pain in Children

Many school-age children carry backpacks that weigh more than 15% of their body weight. When that weight is not evenly distributed or the backpack is worn incorrectly, it puts undue stress on the neck, shoulders, and spine. This can result in:

  • Muscle strain and tension

  • Forward head posture

  • Poor spinal alignment

  • Fatigue and irritability

  • Long-term back and shoulder pain

These issues, if ignored, can develop into more chronic conditions—especially during growth spurts.

Signs Your Child’s Backpack May Be Hurting Their Back

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Complaints of back, shoulder, or neck pain after school

  • Red marks on shoulders from backpack straps

  • Leaning forward while walking with a backpack

  • Struggling to put on or remove the backpack

  • Visible posture changes or a rounded back

If your child is experiencing any of these, it’s time to make changes—and possibly visit a Cape Girardeau chiropractor for an evaluation.

Proper Backpack Usage: Tips from Cape Girardeau Chiropractors

At Victory Spinal Care, we regularly advise parents and children on safe backpack habits. Here’s what our chiropractors recommend:

Choose the Right Backpack

  • Look for padded shoulder straps and a padded back

  • Use one with multiple compartments for better weight distribution

  • Choose a size that fits your child’s frame—not too big or wide

Pack It Smart

  • Keep backpack weight under 10–15% of your child’s body weight

  • Place heavier items closest to the back

  • Don’t carry unnecessary items or leave them in for too long

Wear It Correctly

  • Always use both straps

  • Tighten the straps so the pack sits high on the back

  • Avoid slinging it over one shoulder

Encourage Good Posture

  • Teach your child to stand tall with shoulders back

  • Avoid hunching over while walking or sitting with the backpack on

How Chiropractic Care Helps Children with Back Pain

Pediatric chiropractic care is gentle, safe, and effective in treating children experiencing pain or discomfort due to poor posture or backpack strain.

At Victory Spinal Care, Dr. Arielle Bohnert specializes in pediatric chiropractic. She uses light-touch techniques designed specifically for growing spines, helping to:

  • Restore healthy alignment

  • Relieve tension and inflammation

  • Improve posture and balance

  • Support healthy nervous system function

Regular visits to a Cape Girardeau chiropractor can also help prevent future spinal issues by identifying early signs of misalignment or strain.

Why Choose Victory Spinal Care in Cape Girardeau?

When it comes to Cape Girardeau back pain—especially in children—parents trust Victory Spinal Care. Our team is experienced, compassionate, and committed to helping young patients thrive. Dr. Arielle Bohnert works closely with families to create personalized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Whether your child is showing signs of discomfort or you simply want to be proactive about their spinal health, we’re here to help.

Schedule a Pediatric Chiropractic Evaluation Today

Don’t wait until back pain becomes a bigger problem. Let our experienced Cape Girardeau chiropractors evaluate your child’s posture and spinal health. A few small changes—and the right chiropractic guidance—can make a big difference in your child’s overall well-being.

📍 Victory Spinal Care – Cape Girardeau
👩‍⚕️ Pediatric Chiropractor: Dr. Arielle Bohnert
📞 Call us today at (573) 334-0100 to schedule a consultation!