A scary thing is happening across America: more and more children need treatment from chiropractors. A couple decades ago, it was nearly unheard of for a child to need chiropractic services. Chiropractors could go months without seeing anyone under 35. Today, however, even children are experiencing extreme back pain. And there’s one culprit that stands out above all others: heavy backpacks.
Today’s students find themselves carrying several books to and from home every day. That’s in addition to the folders, pencils, pens, tablets, laptop computers, lunchboxes, and other items that they might need. Backpack manufacturers have certainly noticed this trend. Today’s backpacks offer much more room than those from previous decades. Young students might be better off with a full duffel bag rather than a backpack.
Most chiropractors find that this trend is alarming. Young people are not the kind of demographic that they feel good treating, especially when the cause is so mundane.
How can you help your child avoid back strain even when he or she has lots of homework to do?
There are a few rules that chiropractors say you should follow.
First, you have to check the weight of the backpack. If it weighs more than 15 percent of the child’s weight, then something has to go. Regardless of how many books the child has to cart, there is no reason to jeopardize his or her health. You might even need to speak with teachers to make sure students don’t carry home all of the heaviest tomes on the same day.
You should also encourage your child to wear the backpack properly. Make sure they use both straps rather than just slinging one over the shoulder. Using both straps distributes the weight equally. If the backpack has waist toggles, then be sure they use them as well. Your child might argue that doing so isn’t “cool” Explain that having osteoporosis or a humpback won’t be very cool when he or she is older.
The bag that you choose can also have a big impact, so be sure to pick one that fits the child properly.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
