We have all come to understand that the back packs our children use to go back and forth to school can really be problematic. So I ask all of you to raise your consciousness about this and lets talk about some of these issues...
Different information has been gathered over these past 10-15 years showing that too much weight in back packs can cause problems such as:
- Heavy compression on disks
- Increasing the curvature of the lower spine
- Causing back pain and shoulder problems
- Over loaded packs can also strain neck and thoracic spine
- Developing curves in the mid and lower back causing muscle strain and irritation to the spine and ribcage
- Rounding shoulders
- Back pack over load can cause students to lean forward, reducing balance and making it easier to fall
Here are some important tips to help prevent over loaded back pack issues:
- Always use both shoulder straps. Wear packs on back, not over 1 shoulder
- Adjust straps to fit the pack snuggly to the child/adult body holding the bottom of the pack two inches above the waist and keeping the top just below the base of the skull, do not carry pack low toward butt
- Lift packs using leg muscles and keep close to the body, do not bend over with arms extended
- Do not lean forward when walking with back pack, if that is necessary there is too much weight in pack
- The pack should not be larger than users back
As parents, be proactive. Ask your child if they feel any back ache or pains. Coach your child to only carry books needed in packs leaving unnecessary items at home or school. Please train your child to clean out his or her pack at least once a week.
These are important, trust me. In the past 15 years I have seen more and more children with mid and low back issues due to back packs. So, watch out for this issue please. We want our children to be as healthy as they can be.
Any questions do not hesitate to give the office a call. Yours in good health,
Dr. Ray and Staff
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