In the spirit of back-to-school time, we’ve put together a list of tips to keep your spine healthy in the upcoming school season.

1. Don’t overpack a backpack. Carrying a heavy backpack can cause back pain. Read more about backpacks and your back.
2. Watch your posture during long reading or studying sessions. Sitting hunched over with your head bent down staring at books or a laptop can cause pain in your neck, shoulders, and arms. This more recent phenomenom is known as forward head posture, or tech neck.
3. Better yet, set up a workspace that is ergonomical to help maintain healthy posture. This will benefit both your neck and your back! You can consider sit and stand desks, and getting a good chair.
4. But, even if schoolwork keeps you busy, don’t forget to get out there and be active, at least a little. If you can’t get involved in a sport or activity which gets your body moving, try to find another form of exercise that you can fit into your schedule. Exercise is the best thing you can do to keep a healthy spine.
5. Don’t forget to maintain a healthy diet. Sometimes when we pack too much into our schedule we end up eating foods that are fast and easily accessible. These aren’t always the best foods for our body. So, remember to drink plenty of water and try to maintain a healthy diet to keep your spine and body happy!

Have a good school year!