Backpacks and Back Pain in Falls Church
Carrying heavy backpacks improperly can lead to misalignment in the spine causing strain and fatigue in the back muscles leading to pain and poor posture in children in Falls Church.
As we start the new school year, here are some guidelines on the proper way to use a backpack:
- Wide straps should be used simultaneously to distribute the weight of the backpack across the body.
- Students should be able to put on and take off the backpack easily
- The weight of the backpack should not exceed 15% of body weight
- Backpack should be worn over the strongest mid back muscles
- Bending at the hips and knees is recommended when lifting the backpack
The following warning signs are present when the backpack is too heavy:
- Straps dig into the shoulders leaving marks
- There are changes in posture after wearing backpack
- Back or neck pain when carrying backpack
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
Parents should follow the instructions recommended above when purchasing backpacks. If students are suffering from recurrent neck or back pain, they should schedule an appointment with our clinic for a consultation and an evaluation by our chiropractor at Rosa Family Chiropractic - Falls Church in Falls Church. Chiropractic treatment can help in reducing the recurrence of neck and back pain and can improve overall posture.
