Summer is almost over, back-to-school shopping is unavoidable and the endless backpack options can be a real pain in the neck. Backpacks are a necessity in the everyday life of a student, but used improperly a backpack can strain muscles and joints causing subluxation, forward head posture and even back pain.
Improper backpack use can also lead to poor posture. Girls and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight.
When purchasing a backpack just keep in mind the following tips. It will surely help keep your child’s posture and health moving in a positive direction.
- Choose right – not all packs are created equal, choose the right size for you.
- Pack right – 15% of your body weight is the maximum load.
- Lift right – bend your knees to lift.
- Wear right–
- Always use both straps –using only one shoulder strap may cause leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.
- The bottom of the pack should not fall below your pelvis and wearing the waist strap can also assist in weight distribution. When a backpack filled with books is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force pulls a child backward and to compensate, a child has to bend forward at the hips or arch the back. This unnatural posture can cause some kids to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Remember these tips when doing your school shopping and be sure your child gets adjusted regularly to remove interference from subluxation. A school environment which includes sitting most of the day can greatly affect your child’s spine and wellness. Getting adjusted has also been known to help with improving focus so…..
Here’s to a great new school year!