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Posture concerns are becoming increasingly common in school-aged children, particularly with increased screen use, homework time, and sedentary habits. Research shows that prolonged sitting and device use are associated with forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and neck or upper-back discomfort in children and adolescents. Parents in Research often notice slouching during homework, tablet use, or after a long day at school, issues that are usually linked to mechanical strain rather than serious medical conditions.
This article explains how everyday habits affect children’s posture, what signs parents can watch for, and how chiropractic care for kids may be used as a supportive option alongside movement, ergonomic adjustments, and healthy routines.
You’ll also learn what a child chiropractor or chiro near Research can safely assess, what current research says, and how families can help children build healthier postural habits over time.
How to Recognise Poor Posture in Kids
Early identification of posture concerns can help prevent discomfort and support healthy musculoskeletal development. Common signs parents may notice include:
- Slouching when sitting at desks or using screens
- Forward head posture or rounded shoulders
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Complaints of neck, back, or shoulder discomfort after school, sport, or long periods of sitting
While some aches can occur during growth, persistent discomfort, visible postural changes, or fatigue during normal activities may warrant a professional posture assessment.
A corrective chiropractor providing chiropractic care for kids focuses on posture and movement screening rather than diagnosing disease. This may include observing spinal alignment, joint mobility, gait, and muscle balance using gentle, age-appropriate techniques.
These assessments are similar to those used in paediatric chiropractic care near Rosanna, where the emphasis is on safety, comfort, and supporting healthy development rather than structural correction.
Lifestyle and Screen Time: Common Posture Stressors
Many posture problems in children are linked to daily habits rather than injury. Extended screen time, gaming, and homework sessions can encourage slouching and forward head posture. School-related factors such as poorly fitted backpacks, desk height, and prolonged sitting also contribute to spinal strain.
Australian Government 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children:
- Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily
- Take frequent breaks from sitting
- Limit recreational screen time
Parents can support posture and complement chiropractic care for kids by:
- Encouraging active play and sport
- Ensuring backpacks fit correctly and are worn with both straps
- Adjusting desks and chairs to promote upright sitting
- Scheduling regular breaks from screens and homework
Families with younger children or infants may also benefit from early movement and posture screening. Many parents explore the benefits of seeing an infant chiropractor near South Morang to support early motor development and comfort during key growth stages.
How Chiropractic Care Can Support Children’s Posture
A visit to a child chiropractor focuses on understanding how a child moves and functions rather than attempting to “fix” posture. Assessments typically include:
- Posture and movement screening
- Spinal and joint mobility checks
- Gait and balance observation
Paediatric chiropractic techniques are adapted for age and development and use gentle, low-force approaches rather than adult-style manipulation. These principles align with the family-focused chiropractic techniques used across Melbourne’s north-east, where care is tailored to each individual’s comfort, age, and lifestyle.
“In children, posture concerns are usually linked to movement habits rather than spinal damage. Our role is to assess how a child moves and support healthy patterns alongside everyday activity,” explains Dr. Linda Eideh, Chiropractor at The Chiropractic Co. Plenty.
Care is delivered by AHPRA-registered chiropractors and positioned as supportive and evidence-informed, often alongside lifestyle and ergonomic changes.
Meet Our Chiropractor in Plenty: Dr. Linda Eideh
Dr. Linda Eideh is a registered chiropractor with a strong interest in paediatric, pregnancy, and family care.
She graduated from RMIT University with:
- Bachelor of Health Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic)
Dr. Linda is passionate about helping children and families improve their movement, comfort, and overall wellbeing through personalised, evidence-based chiropractic care. She works with patients of all ages, from children and expecting mothers to athletes and office workers.
Using a combination of Diversified and Drop Table techniques, Dr. Linda tailors care to suit each child’s age, comfort level, and individual needs. Her calm, caring approach ensures families feel supported and well informed throughout their care journey.
What Does the Evidence Say About Chiropractic Care for Kids?
Research into chiropractic care for kids particularly for posture improvement remains limited.
- Safer Care Victoria (2019) reported poor evidence of effectiveness for spinal manipulation in children under 12, though serious adverse events were rare when care was adapted appropriately.
- Reviews published in Clinical Pediatrics highlight low-quality evidence and the need for higher-quality trials focused on pediatric manual therapies.
- Observational studies and parental feedback report high satisfaction and very low rates of minor side effects, though these studies are not controlled trials.
Because of this, responsible chiropractors clearly communicate the limits of current research and focus on education, movement support, and comfort rather than promising posture correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic care for kids is generally considered safe when provided by trained professionals using gentle, age-appropriate techniques. Government reviews such as those from Safer Care Victoria report that serious adverse events are rare.
Chiropractic care does not permanently “fix” posture on its own. It may support comfort, movement, and postural awareness when combined with physical activity, ergonomic changes, and healthy daily habits.
Parents may consider an assessment if a child shows persistent slouching, recurring neck or back discomfort, uneven posture, or fatigue during everyday activities.
Local Chiropractic Care Near Research, VIC
The Chiropractic Co. is located at 10/285 Diamond Creek Rd, Plenty VIC 3090.
We support families from Research, South Morang, Eltham, Mill Park, and nearby suburbs with evidence-informed chiropractic care for kids and families.
Getting Here from Research
- Fastest route: ~9 minutes (7.3 km) via Main Rd / State Route 44
- Follow Main Rd / State Route 44 and State Route 57 to Wallowa Rd
- Take Aqueduct Rd to Diamond Creek Rd / State Route 46
- Turn left — the clinic is on the right
Alternate routes range from 11 minutes (7.9–8.6 km) via Main Rd, State Route 57, and Diamond Creek Rd, depending on traffic conditions.
Helping Your Child Build Healthy Posture for Life
Recognising posture concerns early can support a child’s comfort, confidence, and long-term musculoskeletal health. Encouraging movement, adjusting daily habits, and seeking professional guidance when needed can make a meaningful difference.
Gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic care for kids from a qualified child chiropractor or corrective chiropractor, such as Dr. Linda Eideh at The Chiropractic Co. in Plenty, can complement these lifestyle changes. By combining professional chiropractic treatment Melbourne services with healthy daily routines, families can support comfortable movement and long-term spinal wellbeing.