Best chiropractic tips for backpacks
The best chiropractic advice is warranted because it won’t be long before school is back in session, and we want to offer some helpful tips to parents. Some things we take for granted, and other things we overlook. One school item that is both overlooked and taken for granted is your child’s backpack. If you walk the school supply aisle were backpacks are displayed, you can find every kind of backpack colorfully depicting everything from movie theme superheroes to popular celebrities. Children’s backpacks are just like fishing lures. Most fishing lures with their bright colors and interesting shapes are not based on scientific understanding of what attracts fish. Most fishing lures come in brilliant colors and attractive packaging because that’s what gets fisherman to buy lures.
In the same way, backpacks come in every color from camouflage to electric blue, or they highlight teen idols, Popular TV shows, or celebrities. They are designed to carry electronic gadgets of every type; some even have safety features such as strobe lights. Unfortunately, the focus is more about attracting the shopper than it is about creating a backpack that won’t cause injury to your child’s growing spine. That does not mean that you cannot find a fun-themed backpack that is also safe to use; we just want to off you a few tips on backpack safety, then by all means, pick your favorite color, theme, or superhero.
Backpacks should be safe and functional
Your main concern should be to ensure that your children are not carrying backpacks that are too heavy for their little frames. Research reveals that backpacks weighing more than 15 percent of a child’s body weight will put the child at risk for chronic back pain, neck strain, inflammation, and long-term spinal damage. Always avoid bags or backpacks that have just one shoulder strap. They look nice and natural but wearing their backpack over just one shoulder causes children to lean to one side to offset the extra weight. This can lead to lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Choose a backpack that features wide, padded shoulder straps, and a padded back. If your school allows them, consider buying a rolling backpack.
Pack light
Your child’s backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 15% of your child’s body weight. Organize the backpack, use all of its compartments. This will naturally balance the load. Be sure to store the heaviest items close to the center of the back. As far as size, the backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. When a backpack hangs too low, this places significant strain on the shoulders.
Choosing the right backpack isn’t complicated, if you are unable to determine if your child’s backpack could potentially cause problems, visit a Charlotte chiropractor for a consultation.
Care you can count on in Charlotte
Do not guess about the condition of your body and your health. The doctors at ChiroCarolina are experts at the diagnosis and treatment of numerous health problems. The doctors at ChiroCarolina utilize several treatment modalities that can have you and your family enjoying optimal health, whether it is gentle spinal adjustments, dietary counseling, massage therapy, or lifestyle coaching. It is time to improve your quality of life. Patients visit from all over North Carolina, South Carolina, and from as far as Georgia, Florida and Virginia. Find some answers for your fibromyalgia at ChiroCarolina, one of Charlotte’s top chiropractic centers providing the best chiropractic care for the uptown, NoDa, and University area; located conveniently off North Tryon Street.
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