DeMaio Family Chiropractic
DeMaio Family Chiropractic & Physical Therapy – Gambrills
2391 Brandermill Blvd.
Suite 105
Gambrills, MD 21054
410-721-2222
DeMaio Family Chiropractic & Physical Therapy – Bowie
17000 Science Dr.
Suite 204
Bowie, MD 20715
301-262-4545
DeMaio Family Chiropractic & Physical Therapy – Odenton
Odenton: 1413 Annapolis Rd.
Suite 100
Odenton, MD
410-672-1700
DeMaio Family Chiropractic & Physical Therapy – Severna Park
456-A Governor Ritchie Hwy.
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-946-6499
Are Backpacks Causing Back Pain?
Unfortunately, backpacks may be causing back pain for our children. Children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
As a parent, your child's health and safety is a priority. Encouraging proper backpack usage is vital to ensuring your child is not causing long-term damage to their growing and developing spine.
Lighten the Load
Children have a disproportionate amount of weight they carry in their backpacks. Wearing a backpack that is too heavy can cause back pain, neck pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and hands.
Any time you carry a backpack, abnormal stresses are forced on the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine (neck, mid back and low back). Done repetitively or for long periods of time, this practice can potentially damage the spine and sensitive nerves of the neck and back.
These stresses can lead to spinal misalignments, irritation to the joints of the spine, compressive forces to the discs and spinal nerves, sprains and strains to the back and shoulders and long term health complications from developing bad posture.
Backpack Tips
Pack Right The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 10% of a child's body weight. A healthy adult should not exceed 18% of their body weight, depending on their level of strength and fitness.
Choose Right Not too long or short. Proper Size is 75% of the length of your back, the space between the shoulder blades and waist.
Fill Right Distribute the weight so that heavier books and items are packed closer to the child's back. Make sure pens and pencils or other sharp object are kept in a safe pocket so they will not poke through and injure you or someone else.
Wear Right Use both shoulder straps, they should be snug but not tight. Straps should be Adjustable, 1 ” wide and padded. The backpack should fit well, resting on the lower back.
