Back to School! Back Pack Safety
Chiropractic care is not just for adults. Both Infants and younger children can benefit from Chiropractic care.
Heavy backpacks, school sports and homework can place a strain on your child’s back. Many parents don’t realise the importance of backpacks and how children carry them.
It may not seem important but carrying a heavy, misfitted backpack everyday to school can be bad news for the spine. Your Chiropractor can help determine the back back size that is safe for your child.
Our top tips to consider when packing your Childs back pack:
- Wear backpack on both shoulders Place heavier, larger books closer to the body with the smaller items furthest away
- Choose a backpack made of lightweight material
- Choose a backpack with wide padded shoulder straps, a padded back and a waist strap
- Tighten shoulder straps so the backpack hangs at the waist. Backpacks should not hang more than 2 inches below the waistline
- Backpacks should be 10% or less of your childs bodyweight
- Use chest straps to help distribute weight
Keep a level head
Awareness of the dangers of bending heads down to read or study (tech neck) for long periods of time can put strain on the neck.
Watch the Elbows
Help take the weight of the arms off the shoulders by resting elbows on arm rests.
Support the Lower Spine
All schools should provide good quality, safe classroom chairs which provide adequate support to the lumbar spine.
Keep Hydrated
One of the best ways to fight inflammation is to keep the body hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the school day.
Bend at the knees when lifting your backpack.
Avoid carrying too much weight. Take the back pack on and off correctly.
And stretch it out- stretching is important for the spines health.