While children are smaller than adults and their bodies are still growing and maturing, parents frequently unknowingly burden them with backpacks that are far too heavy and imbalanced. Back pain is the most prevalent disease among Americans, which usually begins in childhood due to those huge backpacks. No parent wants their child to suffer, so consider this Brookfield chiropractor’s advice when it comes to your child’s backpack.
The first step is to choose a backpack that will be sturdy and relieve any unnecessary pressure on the body of the child. Backpacks for children should be made of lightweight material and fitted to the child’s size. Buying large backpacks with the thought of being able to fit more into it or growing into it will only cause problems.
Look for backpacks that have many specialized compartments to help you distribute the weight evenly. When purchasing, keep an eye out for padded shoulder straps at least two inches thick and a strap that wraps around the waist.
When packing the backpack, distribute the weight equally and make sure it weighs less than 15% of the child’s bodyweight. If it is too heavy, the kid will bend forward slightly to counteract the weight on his or her shoulders, which can put strain on the spine and other joints in an unhealthy way. When packing the bag, the heavier the item the closer it should be to your child’s body. Before packing heavy items, take a moment to consider whether it is truly necessary for your child to carry it with them in their backpack or if it can be left home.
A backpack should be adjusted so that the bag is near to the body when a youngster is wearing it. This will balance the weight of the pack over the spine and avoid misalignment. It is also important that your child use both of the straps on the backpack so the weight distribution remains equal. You should also demonstrate to your child how to bend at the knees to pick up the backpack and explain to him not to twist or bend at the waist while wearing it.
Brookfield chiropractors want to stress that, despite common knowledge, kids are in fact at risk for the same type of physical issues as adults when it comes to heavy backpacks.
Regular use of a backpack too heavy for the wearer (of ANY age) can cause:
A child who wears a backpack incorrectly sets the stage for a long list of physical problems later in life, but it isn’t too late to fix those issues for your child.
Contact our friendly Brookfield team at Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab today to learn more about how we can help you and your child.