Backpack Safety and How It Effects the Body in Alexandria VA
At Rosa Family Chiropractic of Alexandria in Virginia, which is located at 4875 Eisenhower Avenue Suite 215 Alexandria, VA 22304, chiropractor Dr. Jasmine Bradley will examine the patient to determine the cause of their complaint. As a result, Dr. Bradley will evaluate the biomechanics of the patient and assess how well the body is functioning.
When it comes to backpack safety, the posture of children and adults should be assessed, as well as, the fit of the backpack. A poorly designed and or ill-fitting back pack can contribute to various musculoskeletal and skeletal complaints. In addition to this, the way that the back pack is worn, also contributes to pain and postural imbalances.
It is important to understand, that children can also experience musculoskeletal pain complaints; it must be understood, that pain is not \"normal\" for anyone! A common misbelief is, \"Children are too young to be in pain!\" This statement is completely false! The bones in children and teens have not finished developing; as in adults, with fully developed bones, both groups, can and may experience sprains and strains of the neck and back. Moreover, the shoulders and knees are not excluded.
For proper biomechanics, the backpack should weigh between 5 to 15% of the person\'s body weight! The backpack should be worn close to the spine, between the shoulder blades, with both padded straps over the shoulders. The backpack should be the length of the back, and at least 2 inches above the waist, so the strap can be fastened to keep the backpack close to spine. Heavier items should be placed closer to the spine.
The spinal column is supported by a bone called the sacrum, which connects to both hip joints in the back of the pelvis, which in turn has attachment sites for the weight-bearing lower extremity. The upper extremity was not designed as a weight-bearing structure, since the shoulder joint is very shallow. The strain from wearing a heavy backpack, causes: forward head translation, forward rounded shoulders, shoulder pain, hips, lower back and knee pains. This, in turn contributes to and causes chiropractic subluxations and or misalignments.
Visiting a licensed chiropractor will be of great benefit, as the spine and extremities will be assessed and the misaligned segments will be adjusted. It must be made clear that, improper wear and use of the backpack, especially overtime, results in: abnormal and poor posture, muscle spasms and possible strains, and chronic pain. Eventually these things can and may progress to joint pain and lead to early degeneration, and or degenerative changes, also known as arthritis.
In addition to the areas discussed above, the soft tissues and ligaments will also be evaluated to determine the best and most effective methods to treat the patient, in order to help the body to restore its proper function and ranges of motion.
Dr. Jasmine Bradley will conduct a thorough chiropractic exam to determine the cause of the problem. A proper chiropractic evaluation will permit Dr. Bradley to provide specific adjustments for the areas to be treated. With the aim of maintaining your chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative exercises will be prescribed in order to strengthen the muscles and stabilize the other structures surrounding the adjusted areas. Dr. Bradley will also discuss diet and nutrition and how it vitally contributes to overall health and wellness.
