Things To Keep In Mind When It Comes To Backpacks
Most people simply spend time worrying about new school supplies, enrollment, making new friends, and of course allowance raise during back-to-school season. But one alarming thing, but most fail to pay attention to, is the health issue, especially for the spine. It may not seem like it at first but if you carry heavy bags on the same shoulder all the time it will lead to posture problems in the future which then results to back pain and other back issues.
Backpacks are much more advisable for students because, unlike other bags, the weight can actually be distributed evenly. But even so, there are still some things that you have to remember.
Avoid Carrying A Heavy Backpack
We’ve been told that backpacks are better alternatives than shoulder bags because it helps distribute the weight evenly to your body. But even a backpack can lead to upper back pain if it’s too heavy. A very heavy backpack, though carried by both shoulders, is making you lean forward since the weight is pulling you back. These position result to unnatural compression/contortion of the spine which then causes upper back pain. You shouldn’t be carrying a backpack that is more than 10% of your weight. Don’t try to fit all your stuff in your bag. School lockers are there for a reason. But if there are no lockers in the school and all the books and school stuff that your child has to carry exceeds 10% of his body weight, consider opting for roller packs so that he wouldn’t have to carry it. Sure they don’t make the load lighter but roller packs are easy to glide across the floor which takes the burden off your child’s shoulders and back.
Minimize Bounce And Shift
You want to ensure that your child’s book bag isn’t loose and that the contents aren’t bouncing around, because this can put undue stress on your child’s spine, not to mention their discs. Minimizing bounce and shift will help your child avoid back problems. One measure you should always take is adjusting shoulder straps so that your child’s bag is snug and that it isn’t pulling them backward. Prioritize comfort and fit all the time. Always try it on when shopping for a new one to see how it feels.
Don’t Carry It On One Shoulder
The most common type of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis which is one that is often diagnosed in children and teenagers. Usually, when individuals in this age bracket are diagnosed with scoliosis, people assume that a heavy backpack or slouching all the time is the culprit. The thing is, that’s not actually true because this type of scoliosis has no known cause or prevention method. While that’s the case, it should also be taken note that carrying too heavy bag or using one shoulder to carry it is actually making the back pain that comes with scoliosis get worse. So while they’re not causing the condition, it’s also not advisable that you let patients continue carrying a heavy backpack or practicing bad posture because it may aggravate the condition and the pain. It is because carrying the bag in one shoulder or being in a poor posture for an extended period of time will require for the spine to compensate so that the carrying shoulder won’t drop or to support the rest of the body. Backpacks with broad and padded shoulder straps are better and use both of the straps. Don’t just sling the back over one shoulder.
You may wanna be on the lookout for early signs such as back pain complaints, uneven shoulders or hips helps detect scoliosis early on. This way, you can have it checked by a doctor or chiropractor right away to prevent the curvature from progressing as the child grows rapidly.
If that turned out positive, one of the treatments that may be suggested to you is chiropractic care since this method is not only scientifically proven to improve abnormal curvature, it also improves overall health and relieves symptoms. Chiropractic care’s holistic approach to wellness that is non-invasive and drug-free which specializes in musculoskeletal issues can help you with a lot more than ease back pain. It is known to help improve sports performance, alleviate headaches, stimulate the immune system, helps make pregnancy as comfortable as possible, normalizes blood pressure, prevents progression of scoliosis, and treat sciatica and more.
Combine that with massage therapies that have been proven to be an effective pain management method over the years and your condition will improve more than any pill can do. Aside from that, it’s best to work with your primary care physician, neurologist, or a specialist for your condition. With some trial and error, you may find a treatment that finally relieves your pain. This is especially if your pain and other symptoms tend to be debilitating and are affecting your day to day living. Most patients try different therapies as a last resort when treatments from their doctors as well as prescription medication aren’t doing it for them. While some practically just wanna see what the hype is about. So whether you’ve been dealing with health conditions or are simply curious about it, maybe it’s time to consider incorporating them into your treatment.
