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Children's school backpacks can cause problems

 

USA Today recently reported on the dangers of children carrying heavy backpacks to school, a growing problem attributed to smaller or no lockers at school and more homework assignments.

 

The article suggested that children should carry no more  than  10-20%  of  their  body  weight  in  their backpacks. Parents should also make sure their kids carry the backpack correctly. Ideally, both straps should be used and kept tight to keep the weight evenly distributed across the shoulders.

 

Children are very likely to  experience low back pain if the backpacks are carried on one shoulder or if the straps are too loose and the weight is allowed to rest near the small of the back.

 

We would add to the list of recommendations that children who are carrying heavy backpacks throughout the school year should be under regular Chiropractic care. Not only will they be better able to deal with the mechanical stress involved but they will also enjoy the health benefits of a properly functioning body. s