Backpack Safety for Kids

By: Dr. Alan Rosenthal

In the US, more than 40 million students carry backpacks. About 20 million carry in those packs more than the recommended weight. This backpack “overload” sent over 3,000 children, ages 5-14, to hospital emergency rooms in 2007 for injuries related to backpacks.

These numbers are expected to rise year after year. Children and teens continue to rely on backpacks to carry books, binders, notepads, homework and personal belongings.

Children and Back Pain

Each year I see more and more children complaining of headaches, neck, back and shoulder pain. Studies have shown a direct connection between these complaints and overloaded and ill-fitted backpacks. The body has to compensate for the change in its center of gravity caused by the backpack’s added weight. The spine in particular is affected as it twists and bends to reposition.

Scoliosis

Even thought there is debate over the causes of Scoliosis, one common agreement is that it can be caused from consistently overloading a spine, especially if it is overloaded in an uneven pattern, which commonly happens with children wearing backpacks. Once Scoliosis occurs in a child it can be very difficult to deal with and correct.

The smartest way to handle Scoliosis is to prevent it. Do no carry too much weight for long periods of time or any uneven weight and have regular spinal checkups by your family Chiropractor to ensure proper spinal function. This is especially important for developing children because as the spine grows it can be easily manipulated in the wrong directions, backpacks, poor posture and certain lifestyle habits can distort the spine.

Rucksack Palsy

Another problem associated with backpack overload is a condition called “Rucksack Palsy.” A heavy backpack causes the shoulder straps to compress delicate nerves, arteries and veins that pass underneath. This can lead to numbness and tingling in the arms.

Help Is on the Way

The American Chiropractic Association has developed a Backpack Safety Program for children in an effort to raise the awareness to the health dangers overloaded backpacks can present to children.

Protecting your child’s spine is extremely important, especially during adolescence. I feel strongly about backpack safety and volunteer to go into schools and individually teach the students and teachers about the health effects of over weighted and ill-fitted backpacks. For more information on Guest Speaking Opportunities for your school or business, please click the link.

Optimal Health = Optimum Function

Whole Health Family Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, California has a team of highly specialized health professionals that will help you reach your Health and Wellness goals. Chiropractic wellness care improves your body’s natural ability to heal and enhances your overall quality of life. Imagine living a healthy and holistic lifestyle free of asthma, low back pain, ear infections, menstrual pain, headaches, ADHD, and many others. Take the first step toward better living and contact us today at (805) 449-0061.

Dr. Alan Rosenthal also dedicates his time to health awareness and education within his community. He offers free lectures and workshops to businesses and organizations. If you would like to schedule Dr. Rosenthal to speak at your next event or to view his list of chiropractic lecture topics, please go to Free Lecture Topics.