Vacaville, CA 95688
Backpacks Can Harm Your Chiropractic Health
New studies have uncovered the numerous causes of back pain, which is becoming as common among children as it is among adults. Back pain in children is primarily caused by heavy backpacks; if they are overweighed, back pain can result.
Most children carry backpacks whose weights are way above what is acceptable. A frequent sight is that of an overweight backpack, carelessly slung over someone's shoulder. A recent study reported that the average backpack weight for a male child is equal to that of a 39-pound bag carried by a 176-pound man and a 29-pound bag for a woman weighing 132 pounds. Thus, it came as no surprise that back pain was felt by 60 percent of the children who carried these heavy backpacks.
In an initial study, the relationship between the length of time a person continuously wears a heavy backpack was found to correlate with the time it takes to correct the resultant spine curvature or deformity. The questions raised as a result of these studies have gained attention, especially in the light of school budget cuts. Some schools have removed lockers altogether, providing children with no alternative but to tote their books around all day.The current recommendation of the ACA is that a child should not carry weights or backpacks that are no more than 10 percent of their mass.
What You Can Do
These are the ACA-recommended measures that should be implemented to prevent back pain brought about by carrying a heavy backpack.
- Children should not carry a backpack that exceeds more than 10 percent of their body weight. More than that will require your child to bend forward to hold up the added weight on his/her back instead of depending on their muscles and the bag's shoulder straps.
- The backpack should not fall more than four inches below the waist. Lower than that will put more weight on your child's shoulders, making him/her lean forward to accommodate the extra burden.
- Too large and pointed items in the backpack should be placed away from your child's back.
- When buying backpacks, keep away from the large sized one as it will encourage your child to put in more items, thereby adding to its weight.
- Both left and right shoulder straps should be used when carrying a backpack. This will prevent neck and muscle spasms and low back pain. Using only one strap will concentrate the stress on only one side.
- Choose backpacks with wide and padded straps to ensure comfort. Thin and unpadded straps will cut into your child's shoulders, causing him pain.
- Check the adjustment of the shoulder straps for proper fit. Straps that are too loose will lead to the backpack swaying and this can result in pain and spine misalignment.
- Talk to your child's teacher and enlist his/her help in spacing assignments so that the heaviest books do not have to be carried around every day and only hand-outs and the lighter books are taken home.
- Do not buy rollerpacks, or backpacks on wheels, except when your child is not physically able to carry a regular backpack. Rollerpacks can clutter school hallways and lead to falls, causing injuries.
Chiropractic Help
If your child is suffering from backpack-induced back pain or discomfort, contact your chiropractor.
Chiropractor doctors are licensed specialists, having undergone professional education and training aimed toward diagnosing and treating back pain in people of all ages.
Chiropractor doctors can also design and recommend an exercise program which will help strengthen your child's developing muscles. Further, they also give advice on proper posture and sleeping habits and healthy eating tips.
