How Backpacks Contribute to Back Pain and What To Do About It

There are a lot of families that are getting ready to go back to school in the next few weeks. Even though you are probably focused on making sure your child enjoys academic success, you need to make sure that you protect his or her health as well. Back pain is something that frequently impacts older individuals, but it can impact children as well. Because children are still growing, the impact of back issues can be magnified. Heavy backpacks can contribute to a significant amount of back pain. Why is this the case, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to learn more

Why Heavy Backpacks Contribute To Back Pain

There are a number of reasons why heavy backpacks can contribute to back pain, but the biggest reason is that they place a significant, uneven load on the spine. Because backpacks are so heavy, they can cause children to change their spinal position.

This can place a tremendous amount of stress on muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back, gradually pulling the vertebrae out of their positions. The end result is posture problems, which can lead to long-term developmental issues.

If children are experiencing back pain, this is not something that should be ignored. Instead, you need to figure out how to reduce back pain stemming from the backpack.

How To Prevent Back Pain With a Backpack

There are several ways you can prevent back pain from developing with a backpack, regardless of age. They include:

• Consider using a rolling backpack instead. This is a great way to remove all stress from the spine.

• Lighten the load from the backpack. Textbooks are very heavy, so encourage children to put textbooks in a locker when they don’t need them. Or, consider getting an online version instead.

• Make sure that the backpack is organized properly. Sharp items should not press into the child’s back. Try to place the heaviest items closer to the back to avoid changing the center of gravity.

• Find a backpack with padded shoulder straps. That way, the straps do not eat into the neck and back.

• Make sure children use both straps instead of just one. Using a single strap will place an unnecessary amount of stress on one part of the body.

These simple changes can go a long way toward alleviating the stress backpacks place on the spine.

See a Local Chiropractor for Help

Even though these tips are helpful, it is important for everyone to see a local chiropractor regularly. Even a relatively light backpack can cause the spine to shift position. Over time, these issues can be magnified, making it even harder for children to find a comfortable position.

A chiropractor can do a comprehensive evaluation of the back to assess spinal health. Then, he or she can use manual therapy (primarily known as chiropractic adjustments) to make sure the vertebrae in the spine are in the right position. That way, children are put in the best position possible to grow and develop properly while warding off potential issues that heavy backpacks can cause.

Protect the Health of Your Child’s Back With the Right Backpack Strategy

Ultimately, these are just a few of the most important points you should keep in mind if you want to protect the health of your child’s back. Even though backpacks might be a necessity, children must make sure they wear them properly. Just don’t forget to see a local chiropractor to make sure that your back, and your child’s back, are aligned properly.

If you don’t have a local chiropractor, please give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to help assess situations just like yours and can also give further tips on how to use backpacks correctly. So don’t delay… give us a call today. We’re here to help!

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