Choosing the Right Backpack to Avoid Child Back Pain
By Stephen R. Farris
Back pain is not limited to just adults. It can also happen in kids, especially with school starting up again and having to carry those awkward, heavy backpacks. Not to mention the fall sports they may be involved in such as cross country, football, and volleyball.
Sports can take their toll on young knees, arms, and back, but it's the backpacks that kids wear daily that could cause the most pain in their back. So if you're a parent with school age children, here's a few simple tips that can help lighten their load, so to speak, and help prevent back pain.
- Choose an ergonomically designed backpack for your child
- Make sure their backpack is less than 10 percent of their body weight
- Backpacks should be no lower than four inches in length below their waistline
- Make sure bulky or pointy objects are packed away from their back area
- Choose a backpack that will hold the necessary items your child needs for school
- Better option is to choose a backpack with handle extensions and on rollers
- Talk with the teacher to see if your child can keep some of their things at school
As for the backpacks on rollers, those should be used if your child is unable to shoulder a pack on their back. Roller backpacks may present problems in school hallways or in certain conditions and terrain, causing more problems than it's worth. It might be a good idea to scout out your child's route to their classroom to see if a roller backpack would be the better option.
Your child's health and well-being is very important, especially when it comes to back, joint, and neck pain. When those pains hit, it's probably a good time to visit your local chiropractor, such as the licensed doctors of chiropractic found at The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is necessary to consult with their professional staff of chiropractors and no need to worry over hassling with your insurance company as The Joint Chiropractic offers several treatment plans that won't break your budget.
Plus, The Joint Chiropractic is a great place for the entire family to get the pain relief they all deserve to maintain a healthy, more vibrant, and active lifestyle. The Joint Chiropractic has more than 600 nationwide locations, so there's bound to be one near you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arlington, Tex.