The Heavy Backpack Dilemma
By Stephen R. Farris
Have you ever stopped to wonder about the amount of supplies our kids carry to school each day on their young backs? You have packs of crayons, markers, lunch box, notebooks, paper, school books and more.
It's a wonder our kids don't end up hunchbacked by the time they're teenagers. Having to carry around that much extra weight to and from school and between classes is not good on bones and joints of kids who are still in their developmental years of life.
All that added weight can put a great strain on their shoulders and back. If you can't lighten their load, there is a way to make it more manageable. Make sure you're choosing the right backpack for their body. Bigger is not always the better choice.
Durability
Sure, there's lots of backpacks out there that entice the kids to beg parents to purchase. It could be the color, a cool logo or advertising their favorite cartoon character. Choose a backpack that is made from strong material. They will probably have days where the weather is not very nice. It could be cold, snowy or rainy. Look for material that is also water resistant. Make sure the length doesn't extend more than a few inches below their waist too. Plus you'll want it to last for the entire school year.
Don't Forget About the Shoulders
On top of durability, make sure the backpack you and your child choose has wide, comfortable straps. This will help relieve some of the pressure off the shoulder and neck. Thin straps can dig in and make those areas painful.
If All Else Fails
Set up a time to conference with their teachers. See if they may have ideas or suggestions so that your child can lighten their load a bit more. Most schools have lockers that kids can unload the majority of the supplies they have to carry and not lug them around all day long.
If you find that your child is experiencing back, shoulder, neck or joint pain, visit your local chiropractor and let them do an examination. They can talk with you about treatment options and for how long treatment will be needed. They can also suggest ways to ease the stress on the joints and backs of your children as well.
Adults aren't the only ones susceptible to back pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Murphy, Tex.