Back to School: The Importance of Chiropractic Care for College Students
College is an exciting stage of life. If you’re like many students, it may be your first taste of independence. And it can be exciting to learn new things, make friends, and work towards your dream career. But college also has its downsides, including long hours studying, heightened stress levels, and lifestyle habits that can lead to pain and discomfort.
Based in the university town of Eugene, Oregon, our practitioners at Tracy and Keim Chiropractic are well aware of both sides of the college coin. And we want you to have the best experience possible—both physically and mentally—as you pursue higher education. Chiropractic can help with many of the challenges brought on by the college lifestyle so you can focus better, feel healthier, and get the most out of this important time of life.
Some of the challenges faced by college students include:
Long Periods Sitting
Whether you’re in class, at the library, or back in your dorm studying, college comes with a lot of sitting. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to problems like weight gain, and it’s also not great for your spine. Too much sitting, especially if you’re slouching because you’re tired, bending over a book or phone, or leaning forward to better see your laptop screen, can put a lot of strain on your neck and spine. Even if you generally have good posture, it’s hard to sit up straight for hours at a time!
Stress and Long Study Hours
Long study hours don’t just contribute to spinal strain. As anyone who’s crammed for an exam knows, they can also lead to stress. Hormones associated with stress are useful in small doses (these hormones are released when your fight-or-flight instinct kicks in), but when stress hormone levels are constantly high, it can become a problem. Chronic stress increases pain, slows down your body’s ability to heal, and can cause issues like headaches or insomnia.
Increased Screen Time
Headaches and insomnia can also be brought on by increased screen time—and with so much study, testing, and homework done on computers, college students may find themselves spending more time in blue light than ever before. Staring at a screen for too long causes eyestrain—which often leads to headaches. And screen time in the evening can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder to get the rest you need to function at your best.
Heavy Backpacks
Knowledge is heavy stuff—and putting it in a textbook only makes it more so. No matter what your major, chances are good that it comes with a lot of reading material. Backpacks that are too heavy, poorly designed, or incorrectly worn can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. (Note: You may not be able to adjust the number of books on the syllabus, but you can make smart choices regarding the type of backpack you choose and how you wear it. Check out our post on backpack safety for more information. It’s geared towards parents sending younger kids back to school, but the information is still applicable for your university backpack too!)
Stress-Based Habits
Stress-based habits are another culprit that can contribute to health problems and physical discomfort during your college years. Because of the hectic pace of college life, it can be easy to let daily exercise slide off your to-do list, or to keep yourself going with energy drinks and quick sugary or salty snacks instead of nutritious foods. Stress-based habits like this can weaken your immune system, lower your focus and energy levels, and make it harder for your body to function.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help College Students
Because college students face so many challenges to good health, we strongly recommend prioritizing your well-being during this time! One way you can do this is by regularly seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractor care is important for college students because it can:
Improve Posture
Your chiropractor can correct spinal misalignments that result from prolonged sitting or carrying a heavy backpack. They can also give you exercises and tips for improving or maintaining good posture, as well as suggest small changes you can make that will help you to protect your spine from further strain or injury.
Alleviate Stress
Because chiropractic is a holistic approach that treats both mind and body, it can help to reduce your stress levels and alleviate the symptoms of stress (like tension, pain, or high blood pressure). Chiropractic can help you physically relax, and it also triggers the release of feel-good hormones that improve the functioning of your entire nervous system.
Reduce Headaches and Insomnia
Because headaches and insomnia often have their roots in spinal misalignment or stress, chiropractic can be very helpful in treating these types of conditions. Work and school feel much more manageable when you’re coming to them pain-free after a good night’s sleep!
Address Pain and Discomfort
If you’re like most people, you may think of chiropractors only when it comes to back pain. But many types of pain can stem from spinal misalignment, since the spinal cord is part of your body’s central nervous system. From general tension and stiffness to more specific pain throughout the body, chiropractic can alleviate your discomfort and help you move more comfortably.
Educate on Healthy Habits
Chiropractors are holistic practitioners with deep knowledge of the entire body—not just the spine! As such, they are a great resource for incorporating healthy habits into even the busiest lifestyle. Ask your chiropractor for advice on exercise and diet if you need recommendations. At Tracy and Keim, we also provide a range of high-quality supplements to support your well-being.
Tracy and Keim Chiropractic Care for College Students
College may be a busy time of life, but it can also be one of the best times. By prioritizing your health, you can truly get the most out of your experience and feel the liberation and excitement that should be part of your college journey. As you head back to school this fall, be sure to work regular chiropractic care into your schedule. Heading for the University of Oregon? We’d love to welcome you to our family of practitioners here at Tracy and Keim! Give us a call at 541-689-0935 and let’s set you up for success this semester.
Sources:
https://gowestmichiganhealth.com/how-chiropractic-care-helps-college-students/
https://www.rtor.org/2019/02/21/mental-health-and-chiropractic-care/
