Backpack Safety

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

Back to School: Backpack Safety

BACKPACK SAFETY

Doing some last minute, back-to-school shopping? Here is what you should be looking for to help select the best possible backpack for your child:

Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but also they can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.

Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.

Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back.

Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.

Does the pack have several compartments? A back­pack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

 Parents or guardians should help children pack their backpacks properly, and they should make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn’t carry more than 5 pounds.

In addition, parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems resulting from carrying a backpack. If the pain is severe or persistent, give our office a call as soon as possible! Both of our doctors have years of experience helping and treating adolescent back pain. 605-332-9235

Backpack Safety!

Backpack Safety

 

It's not too late to bring in your student with their backpack to ensure it is the right bag for them! We're officially one week into the school year and your child may have a better idea how their bag feels when it's loaded down with books and homework. If they are experiencing any pain in their shoulders, back, or hips while carrying their bag, it may be the wrong fit! Give us a call today to find out and learn about what to look for in choosing the right bag for every student!

 



Backpack Safety

Backpack Safety

 

One of the fundamental pieces of any back to school ensemble is, of course, the backpack. Although they are practical, backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents. As students head back to school, here is some advice parents can use on preventing unnecessary backpack pain and injuries.

 Here is what you should be looking for to help select the best possible backpack for your child:

·         Is the backpack the correct size for your child?

o   Should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso

o   Should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline

§  Can increase the weight on the shoulders

§  Can cause your child to lean forward when walking

·         Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps?

o   Non-padded straps are uncomfortable

o   Non-padded straps can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulders

·         Does your child use both straps?

o   Using one strap can cause disproportionate shift of weight to one side

o   Using one strap leads to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture

·         Are the shoulder straps adjustable?

o   Straps should be adjusted to fit your child’s body

o   The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back

·         Does the backpack have a padded back?

o   Provide increased comfort

o   Protects your child from being poke of contents inside

·         Does the backpack have several compartments?

o   Helps position the contents effectively

o   Pack pointy or bulky objects away from the area that will rest on your child’s back

o   Try to place the heaviest items closest to the body

Parents or guardians should help children pack their backpacks properly, and they should make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn’t carry more than 5 pounds.

In addition, parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems resulting from carrying a backpack. If the pain is severe or persistent, seek care from a doctor of chiropractic or other health care professional. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health and backpack safety, please feel free to call our office at 605-332-9235!

 

Source:

Live Well South Dakota. South Dakota Chiropractors Association. Back Pack Safety.Livewellsouthdakota.com. South Dakota Chiropractors Association, 01 Aug. 2013. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.