The Effects of Heavy Backpacks

Parents, have you ever picked your child's backpack off the ground only to be shocked at how much it weighed? With all of the school supplies and books, it's no wonder that they are so heavy. These items add up quickly, often weighing from twenty to fifty pounds and then your child has to carry these heavy bags around all day long! If your child complains about carrying a heavy backpack, don't ignore the fact that its weight can be detrimental to their health. From back pain to spinal misalignments, here are the impacts they can have on children and what you can do to help.

What Harm Can Heavy Backpacks Cause?

Chiropractic doctors have seen a spike in students complaining of back, neck, and shoulder pain over the past few years. Using a heavy bag actually causes children to have back problems, such as spinal misalignments, because it pulls bones, ligaments, and muscles downward. The misalignments can cause pain, fatigue, and other side effects. They can cause long-term pain and side effects if not addressed properly.

Is There a Solution to Your Child’s Back Pain?

The first option is to teach your child how to properly use a backpack. Unfortunately, most kids do nothing but aggravate the problem by slinging their backpack over one shoulder. As opposed to being loose on one shoulder, the backpack should be snug on both shoulders as it was originally intended. The straps should remain tight and never allow the backpack to hang low.

You can also help by limiting supplies that contribute to the weight of the bag. It's recommended that the backpack never weighs more than 10% of the bodyweight of the person carrying it. It can be really difficult to achieve that for a child, and rolling backpacks are a good alternative.

What if There are Existing Problems?

A chiropractor is one of your best solutions, besides adjusting how the backpack is worn. The regular use of chiropractic adjustments can help correct damage caused by a heavy bag and even prevent further damage in the future. Come see us at Williamsburg Chiropractic to get the back pain relief your child deserves. For more information on our services, contact us today.