Back to school can mean back to pain for many students. Dr. Michael Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield CA shares tips to prevent this pain with proper backpack usage.
Tips for Preventing Pain With Proper Backpack Usage
It’s no secret that many children come home from school with a backpack that’s as heavy as they are – and it can cause a great deal of pain. You can reduce or eliminate this pain by following these tips provided by Dr. Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA.
Size Is Key
You want your child to be prepared, so it’s tempting to buy a backpack that can fit everything they might need. Unfortunately, the larger the backpack, the more your child is likely to put in it – including things they don’t really need. Instead, choose a backpack that is no larger than your child’s back and only large enough for the necessities.
Limit the Weight
Ideally, the backpack should not be more than 10% of your child’s body weight. With some textbooks weighing several pounds each, it doesn’t take long to reach this limit.
Break out the scale and weigh the bag. If it exceeds this limit, unpack any unnecessary items. Have your child hold some of their books in their arms. Consider talking to the school about the amount of books your child has to bring home each day.
Weight Distribution
The remaining items should be distributed in a way that takes pressure off the back. Put the heaviest items closest to their back and at the bottom of the bag. You might also choose a backpack with several pockets to help spread out the lighter items.
Additionally, ensure that your child uses both straps. Otherwise, all of that weight will be supported by only one side, which can lead to pain from the head to the feet.
Tighten the Straps
A backpack that hangs too low can put unnecessary strain on the spine – even if you’ve completed the steps above. That 10% of their body weight increases if it hangs too low.
Tighten the straps evenly so that the bag does not hang lower than your child’s waist. Stabilize the weight by using the waist strap if the bag has one. Also, aim for a backpack with padded shoulder straps, as this can reduce shoulder and neck pain.
Don’t let school or a backpack physically drag your children down. Visit Dr. Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA to help keep the spine healthy and aligned. Call (707) 426-1111 to schedule an appointment today.