Backpack Tips in Winnebago IL

Wow, I am not sure I am ready to talk about backpacks yet in Winnebago IL. The summer is going way too fast or some of you might tell me it is going too slow, but either way it is time to shop for school supplies. We wanted to remind you that buying a backpack is an important decision.

Children and Backpacks in Winnebago IL

We had a dad say to us the other day "Our kids carry so many books there is no way to reduce their load." We understand that truth. We just remind him to do his best and that is why we adjust his boys. The reality of life is we will have damage to our bodies daily.

The best we can do is to take steps to reduce damage and then to get adjusted to help remove the damage that is caused.

Although children are smaller than adults, and their bodies are still growing and developing, parents tend to weigh them down with backpacks that are far too heavy and unbalanced. Lower back pain is the most common health issue suffered by Americans and in many cases, it all starts in childhood with those over-sized backpacks. No parent wants their child to suffer so here is some advice when it comes to proper child backpacks.

Selecting a Backpack

The first order of business is to select a backpack that will be supportive and won't put undue stress on any part of a child's body. Child backpacks should be made of lightweight material and be proportionate to the size of the child's body. Buying large backpacks with the thought of fitting more into it will only cause problems.

Look for backpacks that have several individualized compartments to help you balance out the weight effectively. Padded shoulder straps that are at least two-inches wide and a strap that goes around the waist are also features to look for when making your purchase.

Packing the Backpack

When packing the backpack, distribute the weight evenly and try to ensure it weighs less than 15% of the child's body weight. If it is too heavy the child will bend forward slightly to try and counterbalance the weight on the shoulders. The heaviest items in the backpack should be packed closest to the body and if it isn't necessary leave it out. If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher, and ask if they can leave the heaviest books at school.

Wearing the Backpack

When a child is wearing a backpack the shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the pack is close to the body. This will distribute the weight of the pack evenly over the spine and prevent misalignment. It's important that kids use both of the straps on the backpack so the weight distribution remains equal. You should also show your child how to bend at the knees to pick up the backpack and instruct him not to twist or bend at the waist while wearing it.

Potential Issues

For some reason we don't seem to think that children are at risk for the same types of physical issues as adults when it comes to wearing heavy backpacks. Most Winnebago chiropractors will tell you this isn't true and that children can suffer from many of the same issues as adults. Regular use of a heavy backpack can result in:

• Back and shoulder pain
• Numbness and tingling in the arms
• Poor posture
• Reduced blood flow
• Headache and neck pain
• Distorted natural spine curvature
• Muscle strain caused by overcompensation

Wearing an improper backpack sets the stage for a host of physical problems later in life. If you're not sure how to proceed or your child is already showing some of the above symptoms contact our team today.