All of these are hard on our kids' backs.
But the worst culprit?
#1 PROBLEM: Most kids like to sling them over one shoulder or wear them very loose so that the actual pack is on their lower backs. This causes posture problems: either leaning forward to support the heavy weight on their lower back, or leaning to the side that doesn't carry the backpack to compensate for the weight. Posture problems then lead to back pain.
SOLUTION: Backpacks should be worn with both arms through the straps and the straps should only be loose enough to get the arms through. It should be secure against your children's upper back and not flopping down by their bottoms.
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#2 PROBLEM: Most backpacks are too heavy and cause repetitive strain to the kids' upper and lower backs.
SOLUTION: Monitor your child's backpack. If it weighs 20% of your child's weight, that is too heavy!
Encourage your child to bring home textbooks that are necessary for that night's homework only. Have them clean out
their backpacks weekly. You would be amazed at how much "extraneous paper build up" in the bottom of the backpack
weighs! Talk to the teacher about having a classroom set of textbooks and a set for home. Many schools are doing this
these days.
Consider a backpack with wheels. These are very popular these days. They may cost a little more, but in the long run
will save you money and your child's back!
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#3 PROBLEM: More kids are complaining of upper and lower back pain than ever before!
SOLUTION: Pay attention to your kids' complaints. Many times we, as parents, belittle or ignore,
our kids' complaints of back pain or headaches or other physical problems that we cannot visually see. Back pain in a
child can set up a pattern of back pain as adults if we don't do something about it while they are young!
What should I, as a parent, do?
- Exercise with your kids. Get them involved in swimming, yoga or pilates for kids. It is never to early to get them to strengthen their core muscles.
- Chiropractic adjustments aren't just for adults. Getting regular spinal check-ups, like going to the dentist, will keep their backs healthy.
- Therapeutic massages are great for kids, too. Consider a 30 minute massage instead of a full hour for younger kids.
- Get your kids off soda pop! And get them drinking lots of water! When a patient has back pain and cannot get in to see me, I recommend that they drink 2 large 8 ounce glasses of water right away. This flushes toxins out of the body and helps them to rehydrate.