Unbalanced and overbearing backpacks are common among children. These overloaded backpacks are a common cause of the most frequent health problem, lower back pain. Why risk long-term spine damage? Use the following information from your Fairlight NSW chiropractor for deciding on the correct backpack for your child.
SELECTING A BACKPACK
To begin, find a backpack that supports and prevents stress on the spine of your child. The material and size of the backpack should be light and proportionate to the child’s size. The mistake of purchasing a backpack that can fit more supplies in it than a proportionate backpack can cause long-term issues.
Balancing the weight equally is important, so look for a backpack with numerous pockets. Straps for the waist and cushioned two-inch wide straps for the shoulders are good suggestions.
PACKING THE BACKPACK IN FAIRLIGHT NSW
The backpack should have the weight dispersed equally and should not weigh more than 15 percent of the child’s weight. Items weighing the most should be packed closest to the body. Backpacks that are too heavy will make the child lean forward to compensate for the weight.
WEARING THE BACKPACK
Straps should be tightened to wear the backpack close to the back. This is another technique in distributing the weight evenly, preventing spine misalignment. Both straps need to be used to prevent excess pressure on one side of the spine. Lastly, demonstrate how to bend your knees to correctly pick up a backpack, and to not twist or bend while carrying it.
POTENTIAL ISSUES
Overuse of an overweight backpack can result in:
Back and shoulder pain
Tingling and numbness in the arms
Poor posture
Reduction of blood flow
Head and neck pain
Strained muscles
To prevent long-term issues from overweight and oversized backpacks, contact our team at Prestidge Chiropractic today for preventative care and more health tips to keep your children happy and healthy in Fairlight NSW!
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