by David Peeace, D.C.

This is the catch phrase I tell the grade five students who I get a chance to talk to every first week of May. You might wonder what the first week of May is ... besides when the weather usually starts to get really nice. It is the beginning of Spinal Health Care Week.

All across Saskatchewan in grade five classrooms, students are instructed on how to take proper care of their spines. This often includes a visit from their friendly neighbourhood Doctor of Chiropractic to help instruct the students on proper spinal care. The students are taught about the structure of their spines and the function of their spine. Careful attention is paid on taking proper care of their growing bodies. The focus of this is not on chiropractic alone, but rather on how to ensure they have a strong healthy back for their entire life.

They learn the basic differences in the areas of their spine ­ cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx and how each area requires different stretches and support. Through lesson plans provided to the teacher, students are instructed on which muscles are involved with posture and movement. The intricacies of co-ordinating movement between the sensory nerves our spine and then back to our muscles to run, jump or type on a keyboard must all happen very fast.

The students learn how important it is to have a highly functional neuromusculoskeletal system. Without which we would never be able to feel that hot kettle before we burn ourselves, play that wonderful violin or other instrument or to paint a wonderful portrait. In other words, without our spines our brain would never be able to receive and interpret the complex signals it receives or regulate a lot of our important bodily functions.

The children are instructed on the importance of posture. Which is more important than just sitting upright when playing the piano or when old Aunt Matilda comes to visit but vital for having a fully functioning body. Without proper posture it is impossible to breathe properly. I usually demonstrate this to the students by having them slouch and (I invite you to try this right now), then try and take a deep breath. They find this, as I am sure you are, to be quite difficult. Now I get them to imagine a rope attached to the top of their heads, and then to pull that rope up so they are straight and tall. They now take a deep breath and like magic, it is much easier (wasnšt it?). They are also reminded that posture is not only when you are standing, but when you walk, sit and sleep.

They also learn how to stretch the muscles associated with the spine to make sure their spine is flexible as well as strong. Since injuries often occur when our bodies are tight or not ready for that next turn or twist regardless of how much we are carrying or lifting. Finally the students are taught to make sure they are eating a well balanced diet with lots of green, leafy vegetables and lots of servings of fruit. To make sure they are getting all the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that keep them feeling great and healthy.

As the old saying goes, a pinch of prevention outweighs a pound of cure. However if you have a problem that arises in your neuromusculoskeletal system i.e. your back or neck or anything in between, your local chiropractor can ease your suffering and get you feeling great for spring.

Remember there is no one more qualified to manipulate or adjust your spine since Chiropractors spend over seven years of university and 5,000 hours studying to get you over your ailments. So remember ... think tall and keep that spine straight and healthy! And if you do run into some difficulties your chiropractor will always be there to back you up. Have a wonderful and safe spring!

Dr. Peeace is a practicing Chiropractor in Fort QušAppelle, SK. For more information he can be contacted at (306) 332-4522.