September 2014
 
The Pain Center |  Live More Comfortably  |  eNewsletter Header
 we hope this note finds you continuing to do well and living your valued life. The article below by Linda Velding, our occupational therapy assistant, will help you continue pursuing your values.
If you find this information valuable, we would like to challenge you to forward it on to someone who may also benefit from this service, and help change another life.

 

Backpack Safety
     

As you or your children return to school, you may have to  shop for a backpack. Often these are purchased for color, characters, and brands. However choosing the wrong backpack, wearing it the wrong way, or carrying a backpack that is too heavy, can cause aching in backs and shoulders, tingling in arms, sore muscles and stooped posture. You can take steps to wear and load your backpack correctly to avoid these problems. 

  • Select a backpack with well-padded shoulder straps. Shoulders and necks have many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the neck, arms and hands when too much pressure is applied.
  • School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size for your child as well as one with enough room for school items.
  • Distribute weight evenly by using both straps, not just slung over one shoulder, to prevent leaning to one side, curving of the spine, and causing pain and discomfort.
  • Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly on your child's back. A pack that hangs loosely on the back can pull you backwards and strain muscles.
  • Wear the waist belt if it has one to distribute the pack's weight more evenly. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, not below the waistline.
  • Only carry what is necessary to keep weight down. A backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
  • Carrying a heavy pack changes the way kids walk, interferes wtih circulation and nerves, can cause the spine to compress unnaturally and can cause balance problems or a child to trip or fall.

Please click on this link for more information about Backpack Safety 

 

 

Pain Center Video Series  

 

The following is part 10 of a 12-part video series in which Dr. Eddie O'Connor explains what to expect during your treatment at the Mary Free Bed Pain Center. Our team is here to teach you how to interact with and overcome your pain so that you can get back to the life you want to live.

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Free Bed Pain Center - Owning It (Part 10 of 12)
Mary Free Bed Pain Center - Owning It
(Part 10 of 12)

 

 

How Are We Doing?

 

  

We would love to have your feedback about our newsletter. Is the information helpful? Have you been able to apply this information to your own life? Is there a topic you would like to have more information about? Is there something different you would like to see? Please email your suggestions to [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
News & Updates
  
  
More than the programs ...
At The Pain Center, all of our doctor's and therapists see patients outside of the programs. If you have a new injury, significant stressor, severe pain flare-up or need to adjust your home exercise program - come back to the team that you trust. We're happy to help.
  
Have a question about a flare up?
You are still a part of The Pain Center family. If you ever have a question, please give us a call at 616.233.3480 and we'd be happy to answer it.
  
 
Sincerely,

Nicole DeHaan, PT
Physical Therapist 
The Pain Center at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
In This Issue
Backpack Safety
News & Upates
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