Backpack Safety: Protect Your Child's Back!

Back pain is pervasive in our society. Eighty percent of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives, and 50 percent of us will suffer from low back pain this year alone! Low back pain is the most common health complaint experienced by working Americans today, and a condition which costs the economy at least $50 billion a year in lost wages and productivity. Much of this suffering is brought on by bad habits initiated during our younger years, such as carrying overweight backpacks to school.

The improper use of backpacks can lead to muscle imbalance that could turn into chronic back and neck problems later in life.

Chiropractic Care Makes Sense!

If, after you have tried the tips on the next page, your child is experiencing back or neck pain, call your local doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will utilize a gentler type of treatment, which is appropriate for a child's size and needs. Children usually respond quickly to light adjustments and other chiropractic treatments.

In addition, doctors of chiropractic can suggest exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture, and sleeping habits.

Information provided by the American Chiropractic Association.

The Michigan Chiropractic Society, the American Chiropractic Association and your local doctor of chiropractic offer the following tips to help prevent needless pain that can be caused by over stuffed backpacks. (And, now that backpacks are being used increasingly in the workplace, you, also, might want to follow this advice):

• Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight, the backpack will cause your child to begin bending forward in an attempt to support the weight on his/her back, rather than on the shoulders by the straps. A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively.
• Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one. A backpack slung over one shoulder disproportionately shifts all of the weight to one side, and can cause not only neck and muscle spasms, but also low back pain.
• Padded shoulder straps are very important. Not only will they be more comfortable than non-padded straps, but they will also help prevent the straps from digging into your child's shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should also be adjustable, so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause misalignment and pain.
• If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. It might be possible for your child to leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or work books.
• Talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and help him/her understand why this is important. A child who is educated early in life can apply this knowledge later and will be happier and healthier as a result.

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