Many adults don’t associate back pain with common childhood
ailments, but with 60% of students complaining of back aches throughout the
school year, it is a trend worth recognizing. Studies have shown that children
are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and many
believe that overweight back packs are the main culprit.
The
longer a child carries an overweight back pack, the more difficult it will be
to correct any issues with the spine. Children who carry their backpacks over
just one shoulder may also experience neck pain and shoulder strain as a
result. Overweight back packs can also cause poor posture, and narrow straps
can dig into the shoulders, causing nerve and circulatory issues.
Our Back Pack Safety
Tips:
- Limit the weight of the back pack from anywhere between 5-15% of the child’s bodyweight.
- Use a back pack with multiple compartments. This will allow for a better distribution of the weight, helping avoid unwanted strain.
- Use a bag with wide, padded shoulder straps. Encourage your child to wear both straps when carrying the bag.
- If possible, find a bag with a padded back for increased comfort.
- Make sure the bag is fitted properly on your child. It should fitted close to the body and rest evenly in the middle of the back. It should not go more than four inches below the waistline.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary items in the back pack.
If you
have any questions or concerns regarding back pack safety for your child, give
our office a call! We would happy to help ensure that your child’s bag fits
properly and go over all the safety tips that can help prevent back pain and
issues down the road. We will also provide a FREE scoliosis screening for your
child before they head back to school!
Excel Chiropractic
1610 S Minnesota Ave, Ste 1
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
605-332-9235
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
605-332-9235
