It Needs To Start Now
/As school is back next week, we would like to remind you that heavy, poorly fitted and packed backpacks may lead to spinal health problems in children.
Spinal health problems in school children often go unnoticed. However, poor posture, back pain or ‘growing pains’ need not become an accepted part of everyday life for your child.
When choosing a backpack for your child, choose one that allows for even distribution of weight across the back. Otherwise the backpack can place unhealthy stress on a child’s spine.
School can be a challenging time for any child, so ensuring they are as comfortable as possible is important for their physical and mental development.
Despite the increased use of technology in schools, school children still overload their backpacks with textbooks, sports and other gear or simply do not wear them correctly.
Five simple tips for wearing a backpack:
- Pack the heaviest items closest to the spine
- Make sure to do all the zips up
- Secure the sternum, waist and compression straps
- Always use both shoulder straps
- Don’t wear the backpack below the hollow of the lower back as this causes the child’s head to go forward. This starts the process of spinal degeneration and it starts in kids as young as 10 years old.
The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia worked with Spartan School Supplies and Macquarie University to research and develop the ‘Chiropak’. This durable, functional and comfortable backpack is proven to reduce the incidence and severity of neck and back pain associated with the carriage of heavy loads. Find out more about the Spartan Chiropak.
Check out this video for further information about school bags, shoes and nutrition.
If you know anyone who has school aged children, this information is important so please forward it on to them.
