Chiropractic Tip: Reduce Weight in Kids' Backpacks
By Sandy Schroeder
Fall is coming up, and new backpacks are turning up. When you help your kids pick the right ones, be sure to check weight first. No backpack should be more than 5 to 10 percent of the weight of the child.
Doctors report seeing more children with neck, back and shoulder pain from carrying heavy backpacks. A recent study showed 60 percent of children carrying heavy backpacks had experienced back pain.
Here are some backpack guidelines from the American Chiropractic Association.
- Make sure backpacks are never more than four inches below the waist, which increases weight on the shoulders
- Check backpack compartments so pointy items are not resting on a child’s shoulders
- Avoid huge backpacks that encourage kids to carry too much
- Choose backpacks with wide padded straps for comfort
- Encourage kids to use both straps to evenly distribute weight
How Chiropractic Can Help
As the year rolls ahead it might be a good time for the whole family to do a chiropractic checkup.
- Kids can sort out school details
- Seniors can get help with arthritis or sciatica
- Mom may want some stress reduction tips
- Dad may need a workout upgrade
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you staffs a wellness center that helps everyone from teens to seniors get the best answers for pain, health and fitness.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may ease aches and pains and provide better sleep with more energy and alertness. The spine houses the central nervous system that controls almost everything the body does. When the spine is healthy, overall health often improves, too.
Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may prove to be the best way to maintain benefits. It can also be a good monitoring point to catch small issues before they settle in.
At the same time, kids can get help with school sports, posture fixes and workspace questions.
Posture check - Hunching over cellphones, laptops and keyboards can lead to a permanent slouch. Moms, dads and kids all need to keep screens at eye level.
Workspaces - Kids may need new computer workspaces at home. Chairs should provide good back and shoulder support and feet should be flat on the floor.
When you are ready to get started, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to find out more about affordable personal healthcare plans that eliminate the hassle of insurance. Weekend and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbus, Ga,