At Monitto Chiropractic, we understand that a child's posture is the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. Dr. Paul Monitto brings over 40 years of specialized experience in pediatric spinal care and children's posture correction to families in Fairview, NC, and surrounding communities. Our dedicated approach to children's posture focuses on gentle, effective techniques specifically designed for developing bodies.

Poor posture in childhood can lead to lasting problems that extend into adulthood. With today's increased use of technology, heavy backpacks, and sedentary activities, children face more posture challenges than ever before. Our specialized pediatric posture services help address these concerns early, preventing potential long-term issues and promoting optimal development.

Located just a short drive from Fairview in Asheville, our practice  offers comprehensive posture assessment and correction services for children of all ages. Dr. Monitto is certified in the Webster Technique and has extensive experience working with children from infancy through adolescence, making him Fairview's premier choice for pediatric spinal care and posture correction.

Children's Posture Matters

Good posture is about more than just "standing up straight." Proper alignment of the spine affects virtually every aspect of a child's health and development:

• Nervous system function – The spine protects the spinal cord, which is the highway for nerve signals throughout the body
• Organ development and function – Proper posture ensures organs have adequate space to develop and function optimally
• Musculoskeletal development – Alignment during growth years influences how bones, muscles, and joints develop
• Breathing capacity – Good posture allows for full lung expansion and proper breathing
• Physical performance – Aligned posture improves coordination, balance, and athletic ability
• Confidence and self-image – Children with good posture often exhibit greater confidence
• Concentration and learning – Physical comfort from good posture supports better focus in school
• Pain prevention – Proper alignment reduces the risk of pain and discomfort

When children develop poor posture habits early in life, these patterns can become ingrained and increasingly difficult to correct. By addressing posture concerns during developmental years, we can help set your child up for a lifetime of better health.

Common Posture Problems in Children

As a school ergonomics specialist, Dr. Monitto regularly treats children from Fairview with various posture-related issues, including:

Forward Head Posture (FHP)

This increasingly common condition occurs when the head extends forward beyond the shoulders. Often called "text neck" or "tech neck," it frequently results from:

• Looking down at phones, tablets, or other devices
• Improper desk and computer positioning
• Carrying heavy backpacks incorrectly
• Poor classroom ergonomics

Signs of Forward Head Posture include:

• Head consistently positioned forward of the shoulders
• Rounded upper back
• Protruding shoulder blades
• Tension headaches
• Neck and upper back pain
• Reduced neck mobility

Rounded Shoulders

Characterized by shoulders that roll forward rather than being aligned with the ears and hips, rounded shoulders often develop from:

• Extended periods of sitting, especially with poor ergonomics
• Excessive screen time
• Improper backpack use
• Lack of postural awareness

Scoliosis

This sideways curvature of the spine can range from mild to severe and may develop during growth spurts, particularly during pre-teen and teenage years. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing scoliosis effectively.

Poor Overall Alignment

Many children exhibit general postural imbalances that don't fall into specific categories but still affect their comfort and function. These might include:

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• Foot pronation (flat feet)
• Hyperextended knees
• Anterior or posterior pelvic tilt

Our Approach to Children's Posture

At Monitto Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to pediatric posture care. We understand that children aren't simply "small adults" – their growing bodies require specialized care and unique approaches. Our pediatric spinal care program includes:

1. Thorough Postural Assessment

Every child begins with a comprehensive postural evaluation that may include:

• Visual assessment of standing and seated posture
• Range of motion testing
• Balance and coordination evaluation
• Gait analysis (how they walk)
• Backpack assessment when relevant
• X-rays when clinically necessary (taken in our office)

2. Customized Treatment Plan

Based on assessment findings, Dr. Monitto creates an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• Gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic adjustments
• Specific exercises to strengthen postural muscles
• Stretches to improve flexibility in tight areas
• Ergonomic recommendations for home and school
• Backpack fitting and usage guidance
• Education on proper posture habits

3. Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Children's bodies change rapidly, so our approach evolves with them:

• Regular reassessments to track progress
• Adjustment of treatment plans as needed
• Guidance through growth spurts and developmental changes
• Education for both parents and children
• Coordination with other healthcare providers when appropriate

Forward Head Posture Correction: A Specialty for Children

As technology use increases among children, Forward Head Posture (FHP) has become one of the most common conditions we treat at Monitto Chiropractic. Our specialized FHP correction program has helped countless children regain proper alignment and prevent future issues.

Our Forward Head Posture treatment typically includes:

1. Specific spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment in the neck and upper back
2. Targeted exercises to strengthen the deep neck flexors and upper back muscles
3. Stretches to release tight muscles in the chest, shoulders, and neck
4. Ergonomic guidance for device use, studying, and other daily activities
5. Postural awareness training to help children recognize and correct their own posture
6. Parent education on supporting good posture at home

Many parents notice significant improvements in their children's posture, comfort, and even mood after beginning our FHP correction program.

School Ergonomics: Setting Children Up for Success

As a school ergonomics specialist, Dr. Monitto understands the challenges that classroom environments can present for growing bodies. From uncomfortable desks to heavy backpacks, the school setting can significantly impact a child's posture and spinal health.

Our school ergonomics program provides:

Backpack Assessments and Training

• Proper backpack sizing recommendations
• Weight distribution guidance
• Correct wearing techniques
• Weight limit recommendations (ideally no more than 10-15% of body weight)

Desk and Study Space Optimization

• Height recommendations for chairs and desks
• Proper positioning for computers and tablets
• Ergonomic suggestions for homework areas
• Strategies for maintaining good posture while studying

Movement and Break Recommendations

• Age-appropriate break schedules during study time
• Simple movement exercises to counteract sitting
• Stretches that can be done at a desk
• Posture reset techniques for classroom use

By implementing these school ergonomic strategies, children can experience greater comfort, better focus, and reduced risk of posture-related problems throughout their academic years.

The Y-Strap Technique: Advanced Care for Older Children

For appropriate pediatric cases, particularly in older children and teenagers, Dr. Monitto offers the Y-Strap decompression technique. This specialized adjustment creates a pulling force that gently stretches the spine, generating decompression in the vertebral discs.

The Y-Strap can be particularly effective for:

• Alleviating compression from heavy backpack use
• Addressing forward head posture in teenagers
• Relieving tension in the neck and upper back
• Improving overall spinal alignment

Rest assured that this technique is only used when appropriate for a child's age, size, and specific condition, and is always performed with the utmost care and precision.

Apollo Cold Laser Light Therapy for Young Patients

Another non-invasive option we offer for pediatric patients is Apollo Cold Laser Light Therapy. This gentle, painless treatment can be very effective for children with posture-related discomfort. Benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation in stressed tissues
• Accelerated healing of strained muscles
• Pain relief without medication
• Quick treatment sessions (typically under 5 minutes)
• No discomfort during the procedure

This therapy is well-tolerated by children of all ages and provides another tool in our comprehensive approach to pediatric posture care.

The Monitto Difference 

Choosing the right provider for your child's posture care is an important decision. Here's what sets Monitto Chiropractic apart for families in Fairview:

• 40+ years of experience - Dr. Monitto has been practicing since 1982, gaining extensive expertise in pediatric care
• Webster Technique certification - Specialized training in techniques beneficial for children
• Child-friendly environment - Our office is designed to make children feel comfortable and safe
• Rocky, our therapy dog - Our friendly office dog helps children relax and enjoy their visits
• Full-family approach - We can care for everyone in your family, creating continuity of care
• Convenient hours - We offer appointments 7 days per week, including weekends
• Emergency availability - Dr. Monitto is available for urgent care when needed
• Transparent pricing - Our fees are clearly posted in the office and online
• Family plans available - Making consistent care affordable for the whole family

What to Expect: Your Child's First Visit

We understand that visiting a posture specialist might be a new experience for your child. Here's what you can expect during your first visit to Monitto Chiropractic:

1. Warm Welcome - You'll be greeted by our friendly staff and often by Rocky, our therapy dog
2. Paperwork - We'll collect information about your child's health history and current concerns
3. Consultation - Dr. Monitto will discuss your observations and goals for your child's posture
4. Comprehensive Assessment - A thorough evaluation of your child's posture and spine
5. X-rays if Necessary - Taken in our office when clinically indicated
6. Findings Report - Dr. Monitto will explain what he's found and recommend an appropriate plan of care
7. First Treatment - If appropriate, initial treatment may begin on the first visit
8. Home Recommendations - You'll receive specific guidance for supporting posture improvement at home

Throughout this process, we ensure that both you and your child feel comfortable, informed, and empowered to participate in the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Posture Care

1. At what age should I be concerned about my child's posture?
   Posture development begins from birth, but school age (5-6 years) is when many posture issues become noticeable as children spend more time sitting at desks and using technology.
2. How do I know if my child has a posture problem?
   Warning signs include forward head position, rounded shoulders, complaints of back or neck pain, frequent headaches, difficulty sitting still, or visible asymmetry in the shoulders or hips.
3. Is it too late to correct my teenager's posture?
   No! While earlier intervention is ideal, significant improvements can be made at any age. Teenagers often respond very well to posture correction programs.
4. Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children?
   Yes. Techniques are modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for each child's size and development stage. Dr. Monitto has safely treated thousands of children throughout his 40+ year career.
5. How long will treatment take?
   Every child is unique, but generally, younger children tend to respond more quickly than teenagers or adults. Dr. Monitto will provide an estimated timeline based on your child's specific needs.
6. Will my child need to do exercises at home?
   Most children benefit from simple, age-appropriate exercises and stretches between visits. These are designed to be quick, fun, and easy to incorporate into daily routines.
7. How can I support good posture at home?
   We'll provide specific recommendations for your family, including ergonomic setups for study spaces, device use guidelines, and simple posture checks you can teach your child.
8. Does poor posture affect my child's overall health?
   Yes. Beyond just appearance, poor posture can impact breathing, digestion, nerve function, mood, energy levels, and even academic performance.

Serving Fairview and Surrounding Communities

While our office is located in Asheville at 206 Merrimon Avenue, we proudly serve families from Fairview and all surrounding communities. Many parents find the short drive worthwhile for the specialized care their children receive.

Our practice is designed to be accessible and welcoming to patients throughout Western North Carolina, with convenient hours seven days a week to accommodate busy family schedules.

Read testimonials from our patients here. 

Schedule Your Child's Posture Assessment Today

Taking the first step toward better health for your child is as simple as contacting our office. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions and help you schedule an appointment at a time that works for your family. Call us at (828) 252-7400 to learn more about how pediatric chiropractic care can support your child's health and development. 

We look forward to serving your family and helping your child develop healthy posture habits that will benefit them for years to come.