Why do we need the Healthy Spines Program?
Spinal health is an aspect of health that frequently receives little attention until we experience a problem with it.
Most people think spinal health is just about trying to avoid having a sore neck or back. In fact, spinal health is
about caring for the health of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system.
The spinal cord is the lifeline of the body and is protected by the spine. Looking after your spine means caring for the
health and wellbeing of all of our body systems and parts. Caring for spinal health means caring for health overall.
Most people dismiss the early signs of poor spinal health. When this happens the chance to take early action is lost, while the
chances of further damage to the spine and poor overall health are increased.
It is important to promote spinal health in schools because studies into back pain over the last 20 years have shown that:
- Lower back pain is a serious issue for young people.
- Lower back pain in adulthood is related to problems that developed in childhood.
- There is a strong need for preventive measures in childhood to avoid neck and back pain in adolescents and adults.
- Preventive work to develop muscle endurance and strength in young people can reduce the chances of neck, shoulder and lower back problems in adults.
For more information about why spinal health promotion is important for young people, read
Young People and Back Pain.
Children are going through the greatest amount of physical development they will experience during their lives.
They are more likely to have falls, accidents and prolonged periods of sitting in their school years. This is why acting
to protect and promote spinal health is absolutely vital during childhood.
There are many things we can do to prevent spinal health problems, care for and strengthen our spinal health.
This includes having policies and creating environments that support good spinal health. Three important ways in which this can
occur involve schools:
- We can build a stronger focus on spinal health in the primary school curriculum
through the creation of specific curriculum materials, such as the Healthy Spines classroom program and extension activities. In addition,
these materials can be mapped across all relevant areas of the state curriculum, which we have completed for Victoria and NSW to date.
- We can assist school communities to consider how their policies and
environment support and promote good spinal health.
- At the same time, we can resource young people and school staff with
information about how they can look after their spinal health through their personal habits and choices.
If you want to read more about health promotion for spinal health and how chiropractors can play a part, then read
a recent journal paper about this topic.