Heavy Backpacks Can Cause Pain: 3 Tips to Avoid It
By Virginia Laird
With the start of school comes the need of your children to carry a backpack, almost endlessly. These can be incredibly heavy and can cause some back pain. At times, it can lead to injury. Chiropractors advise that there are plenty of ways to prevent too much pain while toting your load from one place to another. A few of their suggestions include:
- Choose a backpack that fits correctly
- Lifting a heavy backpack can be hard on the back, use your legs
- Make chiropractic care part of your routine
Choose a Backpack that Fits Correctly
Were you aware that backpacks are not made one-size-fits-all? Most are not. While backpacks may not have a size listed on the tag, there are some that may not be made for your student’s height. Chiropractors advise that selecting a backpack that fits can be simple and painless. The first step of sizing one to fit your child is to adjust the straps so that the top of the bag is pulled to just between the shoulders. When this is done, a well-fitting backpack should not reach below the waist. Wearing a backpack that fits correctly can be a great tool in preventing pain and injury caused by carrying a heavy load.
Lift with Your Legs
Backpacks can become heavy as they are filled with a book for each class your child attends. Chiropractors remind parents to teach their children to lift with their legs when picking up heavy bags (or loads of any kind). This is a great way to protect the spine from pain and injury. For those who are unsure how to lift with the legs, this requires you to bend at the knee when picking up an item. If you find that you (or your child) are bending at the waist, you are lifting with your back, which is a recipe for back injury.
Make Chiropractic Care Part of Your Routine
Although many turn to chiropractic care for injury and pain relief, it is wise to know that routine chiropractic care can play a key role in preventing injury. If you are ready to begin your routine care, or get your kids on track to prevent pain and injury, locate The Joint Chiropractic in your community right away. With no appointment necessary you can get started when you need it most. With more than 400 locations nationwide you are sure to find one near you.
Begin teaching these tips to your student right away to help them avoid back pain. Good luck!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.