Backpacks and Back Pain: 3 Tips to Follow
By Virginia Laird
It is no secret that the weight of a backpack can be too much for the small frame of children who are required to carry them. For students who attend schools where there are no lockers, children can be required to lug the heavy backpack from class to class throughout the day. No matter how long a heavy load must be carried, it can put a strain on their back that can lead to restriction in the spine and a great deal of pain. A few tips your chiropractor would recommend your student try include:
- Use correct posture
- Know how to wear it
- Stretch as often as possible
Use Correct Posture
Correct posture is vital when it comes to preventing and managing back pain. Chiropractors teach that correct posture can help the load of the backpack divide evenly throughout the back. Although correct posture can prove to be a struggle to keep, chiropractors recommend that stretching can help train the muscles to make proper posture more natural.
Know How to Wear It
Understanding how to wear a backpack appropriately can be the secret to preventing back pain as your children carry their backpacks throughout the school day. Wearing both straps, adjusted evenly, can help distribute the weight evenly. Another tip is to pull the straps tight enough so that the top of the backpack is worn between the shoulder blades. This can help keep the load from tugging too much at the spine. Before you send your children to school, help them make the appropriate adjustments to their backpacks.
Stretch as Often as Possible
Teaching your children how to stretch can be key in releasing the tension that can build as your children tote around their backpack. Still, chiropractors encourage students to stretch as often as possible while at school to help keep back pain at bay. These stretches can include stretching the neck and back.
It is imperative to know that routine chiropractic care can be beneficial for children who are struggling with back pain. Chiropractors work to adjust the joints of the spine in a manner to restore function and release tension. As your children head back to school, the weight of carrying a backpack daily can lead to a great deal of pain. Getting started on routine chiropractic care before the pain sets in can help prevent back pain before it starts.
Consider dropping by The Joint Chiropractic in your neighborhood to get your students started on their care right away. With more than 475 locations nationwide you are sure to find one nearby. And with no appointment necessary getting started is as simple as stopping by at your earliest convenience.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.
