Our Back To School Tips

Our Back To School TipsIt’s that time of year! Whether you are preparing a child for the upcoming school year or yourself, sitting at a desk all day, being hunched over a computer, or craning your neck while doing homework–school can put a strain on your body. Here are some chiropractic tips to help make this back-to-school season a happy and healthy one.

Ouch! Back To School Pain

Back pain is a common complaint in our office from adults, but in recent years it has also become a common concern for many children and teenagers. The influx in cases has recently been connected to the use of heavily packed backpacks and spending hours looking at a computer or hand-held device during the school year.

Backpacks have long been a health concern as carrying an overweight bag improperly can create several concerning health conditions such as poor posture, muscle strain, joint pain, and headaches. The common use of technology with computers, tablets, and phones can also impact your spinal health as it causes you to crane your neck and put pressure on your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Wearing Your Backpack Right

No one wants to carry a heavy backpack every day but choosing the right bag and carrying it properly can help you avoid pain and injury. It is not unheard of for patients to experience upper shoulder pain, low back pain, neck pain, and even headaches from an improperly worn or heavy backpack.

Be sure to purchase a bag that has a padded back and wide, padded adjustable straps that will help prevent the weight from digging into pressure points. Though it may look cool to sling a backpack over one shoulder or to use a messenger style back, wearing both straps on your shoulders will evenly distribute the weight across your body to prevent muscle strain and fatigue. If your bag has a waist strap, using it can help to reduce the chance of back pain. Though a smaller backpack may seem appealing for your profile, your backpack should be proportionate to your body. The top of the bag shouldn’t be higher than your shoulders and the bottom should be above your hips.

Pack your bag strategically with the heaviest items close to the body and make use of the pockets with lighter and smaller items. Be mindful of the weight of your bag as well, it should not be more than 10% of your body. Heavy bags not only can be painful to carry but also cause you to lean forward and increase your risk for rounded hunched shoulders and affect the curvature of your spine.

Adjust Your Posture

It is no myth that our increasing dependence on technology has affected our day-to-day lives–but it also affects our posture. More patients are reporting wrist pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. When you bend your neck to look downward, every inch can put 10 additional pounds on your neck, so it’s no surprise that people complain of neck pain or tense shoulders and upper back strain.

We recommend limiting your technology usage with a 15-minute break every hour, stretching regularly, and allowing your eyes to relax. Bring any mobile devices to eye level and adjust computer monitors so that you can sit up straight with your chest out and shoulders back comfortably with both feet on the ground. While you read, be sure to keep your head over your neck and shoulders and rest your back against the chair.

Stretch Regularly

Before engaging in any strenuous activity, remember to warm up and stretch for at least 15 minutes to allow your body to become more limber and reduce your risk of muscle strain. Don’t forget to cool down afterward as well!

You can even learn some seated stretches to help relieve tension and aches while seated in class.

Sleep Better

Remember sleep is your body’s time to heal and repair from the day-to-day stresses of life. Adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and children need even more. Getting a consistent good night’s rest can help lower stress levels, ease chronic inflammation, and allow your body to rejuvenate.

For better sleep, we recommend avoiding exercising, caffeine, and electronics at least an hour before bed to allow your eyes and mind to wind down. Darken the room and lower the temperature to create a restful environment, some patients may even use a white noise machine to block out any distractions. Making a sleep schedule that tells you when to wake up and get ready for bed can also help your body to establish a routine so that you can function at your best.

For more information on how to keep your back healthy during this school year or to schedule an appointment, contact Anderson Integrated Health Center today.

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Dr. Theresa Anderson DC, DABCI

An experienced doctor of chiropractic with a diplomate as a chiropractic internist, I offer natural solutions to chronic health conditions by implementing a strategic and individualized treatment plan for each patient. I’ve had the privilege of helping patients heal from chronic conditions to live a happier, healthier life.

Anatomy and Physiology teacher who is passionate about health and wellness and hopes to ignite that same respect and awe of the human body into her pupils.

I’m dedicated, loyal and always seeking to improve my science and craft, learn new discoveries in my field, and embrace new challenges.

  • 2023 Diplomate American Board Chiropractic Internist (DABCI)

  • 2018 Certified Medical Examiner (CME)

  • 2000 Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

  • 1996 Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Elementary Education K-8
  • Adjunct Faculty: Anatomy & Physiology I lecture and lab (2023 – Present)
    Chattahoochee Technical College, North Metro Campus, Acworth, Ga

  • Teacher: Anatomy & Physiology On-level and Honors, High School Seniors (2017 – Present)
    Science Department Head (2023)
    Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Acworth, Ga 30101

I enjoy any outdoor sports and activities such as hiking and
gardening.

I’m also an animal lover who has a heart for stray animals.

Beginner with Norwegian language

Dr. Micheal Anderson DC, DABCI

Dr. Anderson is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, practicing in Dallas, GA. He has received extensive post-doctorate training in Specific Upper Cervical adjusting procedures and is certified through Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific (K.C.U.C.S.).

After 10 years of competing in the sport of powerlifting at the state and national level, reaching Collegiate first team All-American status, and competing on the US National Team at the World Championships in the Czech Republic in 1997, I suffered severe back pain and was only 24 years old. I was told I had disc problems and would need to stop competing. I found a chiropractor in Baltimore, Maryland and began care with fantastic results. As my body healed, I continued my PL career, and decided I wanted to help others receive health naturally through chiropractic care.

I was able to continue my PL career, but still had occasional pain, as well as digestive issues, stomach pain, and skin problems. While in school, I came across an amazing chiropractic procedure called Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic. After experiencing this type of care, my health went to the next level, and my symptoms completely resolved over the next 3 years. By now I was 30 years old, extremely healthy, and looking to share my Upper Cervical chiropractic health knowledge with all.

Dr. Anderson did his undergraduate studies at Towson State University in Baltimore Maryland and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Sports Management. Then he graduated in 1995 from Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. Dr. Anderson continued his education with postgraduate work in upper cervical care getting certified from Michael Kale in 1996. He earned master certification in KCUCS Upper Cervical procedure in 2001. Since then, he has been teaching doctors around the world KCUCS Upper Cervical procedure. Dr. Anderson also has DABCI functional health training and certification.

  • Clinical Vision Research: Kessinger Clinic, 1996.

  • Clinical Respiration Research: Kessinger Clinic, 1996

  • Incidence of Symptomatic Reactions to Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and their Effects on Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes: Participating Field Doctor March 2008

  • Improvement in Pattern Analysis, Heart Rate Variability & Symptoms Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care 2013

  • Pulse pressure findings following upper cervical care: a practice-based observational study 2019

The goal of Anderson Integrated Health Center’s upper cervical specific chiropractic care is to remove interference to the nervous system by making a correction that allows the body to heal itself. The procedure utilized by Anderson Integrated Health Center works with the body’s innate capacity to heal itself when the nervous system is free from interference. This procedure is gentle and effective for infants to the elderly. Computerized diagnostic instrumentation is utilized to determine if a person can be helped with this procedure. Helping patients who have suffered for years with no relief is very rewarding. But probably what Dr. Anderson enjoys the most is seeing young children recover from health problems that prevents them from having to suffer for a lifetime.

Dr. Anderson resides in metro Atlanta with his wife Theresa and two children, Jeremiah and Hope. He enjoys family time, his children’s sports, coaching his son’s basketball team, racquetball, and staying active in a challenging race like the Tough Mudder. Dr. Mike met his wife at chiropractic school in Chesterfield, Missouri and Dr. Theresa went on to become an upper cervical doctor herself. She paused her career to be a full-time home-school mother, and has returned to practice alongside her husband. Dr. Mike Anderson also has strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and enjoys being a long-time member at Westridge Church in Dallas, Georgia.

In addition to staying physically active, Dr. Anderson understands the importance of excellent nutrition to achieve great health. He and his family have achieved a healthy lifestyle without the use of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, and he has been drug-free since 1993. He thanks God for the health his family enjoys, knowing that God gave us natural ways to live a healthy life!