IS YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK MAKING THE GRADE?
It seems like just the other day the final school bell rang and kids were dismissed for summer break. When I was younger, “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper was popular, and the song could be heard screaming from stereo speakers throughout the neighborhood.
In this issue we’re talking about going back to school, and what steps young people can take to make it a healthier year. In particular, we’ll be examining the use of backpacks and how they can affect your child’s health.
As these devices have become increasingly popular over the years, there has been a proportionate rise in the number of children complaining of back, neck, and shoulder problems. A recent survey by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons substantiates this, as 58% reported seeing kids whose back and shoulder pains could be directly attributed to carrying backpacks that were too heavy for them.
A study recently conducted in Italy demonstrated that the average child carries a backpack that is the equivalent of a 40 lb load for a 176 lb man and a 30 lb burden for a 132 lb woman. Of those children carrying their backpacks to and from school everyday, 60% experienced back pain. If a child has even a mild scoliosis (curvature of the spine), this extra load can cause significant, and sometimes continual, pain. In fact, another recent study in France found that the longer a child uses one of these devices, the longer it takes for a curvature or spinal deformity to correct.
Did you know there are approximately 5,000 emergency room visits from backpack- related injuries in kids aged 5-18 each year? Beyond this, there are countless unreported episodes of children complaining of aches and pains made worse by carrying these heavy loads. Consider this statement released by the American Physical Therapy Association: “While a backpack is still one of the best ways to bear a burden, a too-heavy or improperly worn backpack may harm joints and muscles, especially young ones.”
Packing a backpack properly, carrying the load correctly, and proper posture are all important. However, if the child has scoliosis or other spinal problem, taking these precautions might not be enough. That’s why it’s important to have your child checked by a professional.
Dr. Nabzdyk is a holistic physician with over 16 years experience. He owns and operates ABC Wellness & Rehab, providing individualized nutritional coaching, acupuncture, and chiropractic, as well as hormonal and allergy testing. Call (815) 609-7735 for more information. Visit us at www.abcwellness-rehab.com.
