BACKPACKS: Pack it light and wear it right!

School kids today not only have a lot on their minds, statistics show that they are also carrying a heavy load on their backs. 

A recent poll indicates that 76 per cent of Ontario Chiropractors agree that overloaded backpacks are a leading cause of back and neck pain in many of their school aged patients. 

The long-term implications of carrying a heavy backpack are poor posture,  neck and arm pain as well as irritation of the spine, joints and muscles. 

To avoid problems, start by choosing the right backpack.  Make sure the backpack is made of lightweight material, has two wide, adjustable shoulder straps that do not cut into the arm, contains a waist belt, several individual pockets, a padded back and is proportionate to the child’s body size.

The load in a backpack should not exceed 10 percent of the child’s body weight for elementary aged school children and 15 percent for those in secondary school. And the contents should be evenly distributed with heavy items packed closely to the body. 

When putting the backpack on, a child should place the backpack on a table or chair, bend at the knees and lift with the legs while putting on one shoulder strap at a time. Before your child walks out the door remind him or her not to wear the bag on one shoulder and to adjust the straps so the bag fits comfortably close to the body. 

Having your child checked by a Chiropractor may be your first step  in adding a preventative approach to your family’s healthcare.

More Tips on how to improve your posture

In our previous 2 posts Dr. Dan Vitale shared the importance of having a good posture and a few tips on how to improve your posture.

In this post Dr. Dan will share even tips on how to improve your posture.

• To provide yourself with the best support possible make sure that you sit with your back and buttocks as far back as possible in your chair keeping your back against the backrest.
• When standing for any length of time keep one foot elevated on a box or step.
• Maintain abdominal hollow and pelvic tilt to support the low back – your Chiropractor can show you what this looks like.
• Wear the best supportive footwear possible. Ask for a gait analysis to see if orthotics would be a benefit to you.
• Make sure that the pillow you sleep on is made for your head and not for your bed. Any of our staff can measure you for the correct pillow and explain why it is important to keep your neck well supported while you sleep.
• Do NOT sleep on your stomach.
• When lying on your side a pillow between the knees takes the strain off your low back and hips by minimizing pelvic rotation.