Parents are often surprised when their generally healthy
child complains of neck, back, or shoulder pain. Even more so if they
mention headaches, fatigue or tingling numbness in the arms.
Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think. The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them. Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges and later in life. But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.
What is a parent to do?
Here is the Second of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!)
Shoulder straps should be 1 1/2 to 2 inches across and padded. Having worn a backpack before, you know where all the pressure falls – on the shoulders. As gravity pulls the bag itself, the weight falls on the shoulders, where there are important blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain, tingling or numbness down the arms when constricted. Padding cushions the areas of pressure. A thicker strap spreads the pressure out over a larger area. This can lead to less pinpoint pain spots and a decrease in overall pressure.
What can parents do?
Check the backpack to make sure that the straps are both wide enough and well padded. Make sure that the shoulder straps are adjusted to fit your child snugly. A pack that is worn loosely can pull the child backwards and cause unnecessary strain on their muscles. A well-fitting bag with the correct straps and reduce the immediate pressure felt on the shoulders and neck. Replace bags that are worn (even if they are favorites).
Once you have the backpack under control your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If these types of issues persist, it is probably a good idea to talk to your chiropractor. Some postural issues are easily corrected and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask.
Check back next week for Tip #3 (or if you can't wait, check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video)
Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.
Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think. The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them. Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges and later in life. But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.
What is a parent to do?
 |
| 1 1/2 to 2 inches in the Golden Rule |
Here is the Second of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!)
Shoulder straps should be 1 1/2 to 2 inches across and padded. Having worn a backpack before, you know where all the pressure falls – on the shoulders. As gravity pulls the bag itself, the weight falls on the shoulders, where there are important blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain, tingling or numbness down the arms when constricted. Padding cushions the areas of pressure. A thicker strap spreads the pressure out over a larger area. This can lead to less pinpoint pain spots and a decrease in overall pressure.
What can parents do?
Check the backpack to make sure that the straps are both wide enough and well padded. Make sure that the shoulder straps are adjusted to fit your child snugly. A pack that is worn loosely can pull the child backwards and cause unnecessary strain on their muscles. A well-fitting bag with the correct straps and reduce the immediate pressure felt on the shoulders and neck. Replace bags that are worn (even if they are favorites).
Once you have the backpack under control your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If these types of issues persist, it is probably a good idea to talk to your chiropractor. Some postural issues are easily corrected and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask.
Check back next week for Tip #3 (or if you can't wait, check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video)
Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.
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