Dr. Judd Lowrey's Sports and Wellness Chiropractic Blog

Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Loaded with binders, textbooks, and now even laptops, children’s backpacks are often tripping the scales at over 30lbs. Lugging this amount of weight can certainly lead to significant back, shoulder, and neck injuries.

Here are few helpful tips:

• Backpacks should not weigh more than 10 percent of body weight. With a heavier backpack, children tend to bend forward to support the extra weight.
• Wear both shoulder straps is key! Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side.
• Backpack should hang less than four inches below waistline.
• Choose a backpack with individualized compartments to redistribute weight effectively.
• Wide, padded and adjustable straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.

It is time again to get ready for the school year ahead. Of course, preparing for back to school includes buying necessary supplies and clothes, but it should also include creating a plan for wellness to ensure your children stay healthy throughout the year. Along with having a trusted pediatrician who you can call when injuries and illnesses occur, it also makes sense to partner with a chiropractor who can help prevent and treat many soft tissue injuries that commonly occur in childhood.

Beware of Overloaded Backpacks!
Surprisingly, backpacks are a leading cause of soft tissue injuries during the school year.  Yep, backpacks!

Loaded with binders, textbooks, and now even laptops and tablets, children’s backpacks are often tipping the scales at over 30 lbs. Lugging this amount of weight can certainly lead to significant back, shoulder, and neck injuries – particularly when the weight isn’t evenly distributed.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, a child’s backpack should never weigh more than 15% of their body weight. And, a clear indicator that a backpack is too heavy is when a child is in a stooped position when carrying a backpack. Other signs of backpack-related problems include tingling in the arms and complaints of back and shoulder pain.

Needless to say, it’s very important to choose your child’s backpack carefully and to watch for signs of problems that can potentially turn into painful injuries. For questions about backpack safety or to receive a backpack check and fitting, it’s a smart idea to consult with a chiropractor who can evaluate the distribution of weight across the back and correct issues that could cause injury to the muscles and other soft tissues.

Treating Strains and Sprains
Like backpacks, after school sports are notorious for causing many childhood injuries. Strains and sprains commonly occur in children playing on the playground or participating in after school sports. These often happen due to trips and falls or children simply playing too hard.

If a fracture or break is suspected, it’s only prudent to seek medical assistance. However, in many cases, chiropractic treatment can be extremely beneficial. Treatments such as Active Release Technique (ART) can significantly help heal injured tissues while increasing range of motion, strength, and flexibility.

As we get closer to the start of school, we encourage you to visit our website and contact us for an evaluation. We’re dedicated to being a partner in your children’s wellness throughout their school years and beyond.

Lowrey Chiropractic, Dr. Judd Lowrey, D.C.

5007 Windplay Drive, Suite 2, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Phone: (916) 941-7508

www.lowreychiropractic.com