Health Problems With Backpacks
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
The backpack helps a child to bear the weight of schoolbooks and different items. It distributes the weight across the shoulder and back muscles. The problem is with overload and bearing the weight for longer periods that may strain the shoulders, back, and neck.
Consulting a chiropractor for neck, back, and shoulder problems may help get relief from the pain. The chiropractor may suggest physical therapy with some stretching exercises that may provide pain relief.
Effects of Carrying Load in the Long-Term
The back may carry the load for extended periods, but it comes with some drawbacks. The drawbacks may include distortion of natural curves in the lower and middle section of the back that cause muscle strain and irritation in the rib cage and the spine's joints. The long-term effects of carrying a heavy backpack may result in rounding of the shoulders. It may also cause one to lean forward that eventually leads to uneven balance in the body structure, and may increase the chances of tripping.
Wearing backpacks on one shoulder may force the muscles to struggle to adjust to the uneven weight. The spine bends in the opposite direction, stressing one side more than the other on the lower back, ribs, and middle back. In the short term, this form of muscle imbalance may lead to back pain, muscle strain, and muscle spasm, and if not corrected, it may speed up the back problems later in life.
Risk of Overload
Carrying heavy backpacks and continuing them for longer periods is the biggest concern. Without realizing it, kids can overstuff their bags with books and school items. At first, it may not seem that much of a concern. But after some time, kids may suffer from muscle strain, and it may affect their spine's natural curvature.
Neck and Shoulder Strain
Because of a bulky bag, prevention is of paramount concern for children who may be feeling the strain in their backs, shoulders, and necks. A few restorative and supportive movements and stretches may help in relieving the pain.
Heavy backpacks may force the kids to lean forward, forcing the lower back to experience increased pain. Lifting heavy bags may lead to a forward head and rounded shoulder, resulting in rigid pectoralis muscles and increased strain on the neck. Doing pec and upper-trap stretches may prevent long-term postural defects and improve the flexibility of the muscles.
Strengthening the core and back muscles may improve posture and try to reduce the carrying weight of the backpacks for longer periods.
After consulting a chiropractor, doing some simple exercises such as chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes may reduce the risk of neck and shoulder injuries.
Along with strengthening the core and back muscles, maintaining the body's overall fitness may also help in the long-term.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.