5 Ways To Keep Your Spine Moving Well Whilst Studying

As August draws to an end and September approaches, for many, it means the books are reclaimed from the depths of the cupboards, and the dust is cleared away from the desks. The lunchtime cheers that can be heard for miles as children play outside will resume once again as we welcome a new school year. Colleges and universities will open their doors and become a hive of activity.

We know many of you reading this will have family or friends who will be returning to their studies, or you may be returning yourself, so this week we wanted to provide some ideas that you can use and share with those around you to help you take care of your spine during this term and beyond. Of course, if you are not studying, we recommend you persevere and continue reading, as you may find these tips helpful too!

Those annoying aches and pains you may have experienced at some point during your life are often caused by several factors. Unfortunately, poor posture and sitting for extended periods can be a part of it, which is what most students spend their time doing. So hopefully, this information will help prevent these symptoms and make the upcoming term a positive one, not only for your studies but also for your spine's health. 

So, here are 5 ways to keep your spine moving well whilst studying and beyond: 

1. Carry a bag on two shoulders

We know this might cause resistance as it may not fit in with the latest trends, but simply moving from a shoulder bag to a bag with adjustable shoulder straps can make a massive difference in how the weight of the bag is distributed. The uneven load of carrying a bag on one shoulder can result in neck and shoulder complaints due to the repeated stress to the area. It can also cause one side of the body to work harder, impacting posture and tension through the spine. Therefore, we recommend using a bag with two straps and for the bag to be sat high on your back to provide additional support. 

 2. Reducing the load

Following on from the type of bag, the next question to ask is, "what is in the bag?" Are there items that can be left in the classroom, or is it even required? Carrying heavy books, folders, stationery, and sports gear can add pressure to the spine. Having an appropriate bag will certainly help, but if there is a way of reducing the weight, it will assist the spine even further. 

 3. Feet on the ground

 As you read this blog, you may be doing this right now. We are all guilty of it at one time or another! Crossing our legs or holding our bodies in twisted positions can create tension through our spine and lower body. Over a while, the tension can manifest into discomforts such as lower back or glute pain. Therefore, whilst sitting at a desk, keeping both feet flat on the floor and knees at a right angle will help to keep the spine in a neutral position and reduce tension.

 4. Time out and fresh air

 There is no getting away from the fact that traditional studying involves a lot of sitting. Being mindful of posture whilst sitting will help, but we are designed to move, so encouraging our students to stand up and move around frequently will help to create that essential movement through the spine. We recommend standing up every 20 minutes where possible, and when it comes to breaks in the day, getting outside in fresh air, running around, and playing will do wonders for the spine and help to give the brain some well-needed downtime from the focused studies. 

 5. Hydration

 We know drinking water is something we talk about often, but we share it as a reminder because it is one of the simplest things we can all do to maintain good health. If you are considering buying some back-to-school goodies, how about investing in a new water bottle?! You can buy all sorts of fun bottles encouraging children (and adults) to drink water. That dip of energy in class where it's challenging to keep the eyes open, the mood changes where everything seems hard work, the aches and pains that can be distracting and recurring headaches that make the days drag could all be linked to dehydration. 

So there you go! We know simple suggestions, but it is often the small changes that make a big difference in your health.

If you are looking for further guidance or support, the beauty of chiropractic care is that it can be tailored to people of all ages, so feel free to get in touch. We are here to help.

 With love,

Rob Firth