The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…Back-to-School!

Hollis Times Article – Backpack Safety Tips – August 30, 2010

It’s back-to-school time for many families and for the kids that means new clothes, new supplies, and often new backpacks.  This is an ideal time to talk about backpack safety and your children’s spinal health.   During my morning commute, I often see kids waiting for the bus with backpacks that are too big and filled too heavy for their frame, usually slung over one shoulder causing them to lean to one side to balance the weight.  This backpack misuse can lead to pain and poor posture in the short term, and adversely affect their spinal curve and consequently their overall health in the long run.  Here are some tips for choosing the right pack for your child and loading it properly to prevent any ill effects:

• Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward to support the weight on the back, rather than the shoulders.

• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

• Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.

• Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.

• The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack fits to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle, causing spinal misalignment and pain.

If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler approach for children. In addition, your chiropractor can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits. Throughout the month of September, Hollis Family Chiropractic Center is offering free spinal exams for kids.

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