News from THRIVE Chiropractic Studio

September is Backpack Safety Month at THRIVE

One of the fundamental pieces of any back to school ensemble is, of course, the backpack, and although they're practical,
backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for
millions of children and adolescents. As students head back to
school, THRIVE Chiropractic Wellness Studio offers parents
advice on preventing unnecessary backpack pain and injuries.
THRIVE offers the following checklist to help parents select the
best possible backpack for their children:

Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but also they can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder
muscles.
Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back
pain, and poor posture.
Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the
middle of your child's back.
Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies
(pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

THRIVE Chiropractic Wellness Studio recommends that parents or guardians help children pack their backpacks properly, and they should make sure children never carry more than 10 percent
of their body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn't carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn't carry more than 5 pounds. Heavy backpacks can not only cause back pain in your child, but they can also alter your child's posture. Altered posture leads to an increased strain on the spine and nerve system, which an ultimately have a negative impact on your child's health. If you suspect that your child's posture and spine may have been impacted by a too heavy backpack, call today to schedule his/her evaluation.

For a FREE evaluation of your child's backpack and
posture, call THRIVE Chiropractic Wellness Studio
610-925-2572 www.LiveLifeandThrive.com