These days, kids have many options for backpacks. Over this past summer, I had my son, Ethan, pick out a backpack and I ordered it online. When the backpack came in he noted that it had wheels. I was just trying to save his back a little strain but apparently wheels are not currently in style. The day was saved when I found a set of 'hidden' straps that he could use to put the backpack on his - back.
So I decided to do some research to find out the proper way for
children to wear their backpacks. Ethan may not appreciate it now,
but I want to prevent him from getting shoulder, neck and back pain
later in life. Trends may come and go, but what doesn't change
is the proper way for children to wear their backpacks. Turns out
that kids routinely carrying a heavy backpack load can put pressure
on children's forming spines and can lead to neck and back
problems.
Dr. Chad Parsons of the Advanced Corrective
Chiropractic in Lansdowne, Virginia warns parents of the adverse
affects of overloaded, improperly worn backpacks. "Wearing
backpacks incorrectly causes postural abnormalities in
children," says Parsons. "Abnormalities that can
eventually lead to scoliosis. More often, backpacks which are too
heavy and worn improperly cause anterior head syndrome, resulting
in neck strain and headaches.
According to Parsons, unevenly distributed weight causes children
to list to the left or right, causing an unnatural curve of the
spine. And too much weight puts pressure on their shoulders, which
leads to spinal compression, hunching over and poor posture.
In the spirit of injury prevention, National School Backpack
Awareness Day is held on the third Wednesday of every September.
Here are some tips from the American Chiropractic Association for
preventing backpack related injuries.
Are your children's backpacks too heavy? Look for the following
signs:
- They struggle to lift and put their backpack on.
- They lean forward to compensate for the weight.
- They lean backward to compensate for the weight.
- There are red marks on their shoulders where their backpack straps are digging in.
The proper way for your children to wear their backpacks: Tips from the American Chiropractic Association
- Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10 to 15 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
- 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.
- A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Place the heaviest items in the main compartment, closest to your child's back.
- Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child may 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.
- Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.
- The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
"Remember," Parsons tells parents. "It's easier to correct and prevent spine problems when your kids are young and their bones are not yet fully formed."
For more information check out the American Chiropractic Association's consumer health tips.
Posted by Sitters.com
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