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Easing the burden of returning to school.

The long summer holidays are over and it’s time to return to school. All across Melbourne, children will leave their houses with bulging backpacks and trudge to school like weary tortoises.

But the comparison is perhaps a little unfair. Unlike a child, the humble tortoise has evolved over millions of years to become an expert at carrying its permanent luggage. We doubt you’ll ever see one slip a solitary limb through its shell and saunter along the road pretending that’s the coolest and most effective way to carry its burden.

The Australian Osteopathic Association reported in 2014 that the average school backpack weighs 22 per cent of the child’s bodyweight and, in some cases, can be close to a third. To counter the weight and retain balance, it is common for children to lean forward. Unfortunately, this puts additional strain on the lower back and neck.

Between 18 and 24 per cent of children report suffering from back pain at least once a month. Of course, there are plenty of possible causes—the business of growing up is, after all, a very demanding time for a child’s body. But whether it’s a sporting injury, postural—or even related to carrying a heavy backpack over one shoulder because it’s so much cooler to do so—if your son or daughter is complaining of back pain then bring them along to Relinque Sports and Spinal Group. We have over 20 years of experience in treating a wide range of problems in children.

Whatever the age of your child, we’ll take time to listen to their symptoms and ask plenty of questions. From there, we’ll make a comprehensive diagnosis and recommend the best treatment to help them grow and develop free from restriction and imbalance.

So if you want to ease the burden on your child as they return to school, call Relinque Sports and Spinal Group on 03 9499 9644.