Backpack Safety and the Importance of Chiropractic Care in Barrington IL

As we head back to school this month and begin our school supply shopping, parents constantly ask what is the best backpack to purchase. Backpacks nowadays even come with wheels and handles to make travel easier. The downside to backpack use is that it can strain muscles and joints. They can also cause back pain in Barrington IL if they are too heavy or not used correctly.

Which Backpack to Get in Barrington IL

Most chiropractors recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 20% of their body weight in their packs. Many children carry a lot more than that in all honesty. The weight can pull a child backward, making them bend forward at the hips or arch the back to stay steady. This unnatural position can lead to shoulder, neck, and back pain.

Children who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Improper backpack use can also lead to bad posture as adults. We commonly address backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders that cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.

We suggest getting a backpack that is lightweight with padded shoulder straps. Backpacks with waist belts are also ideal to distribute weight more evenly across the body. Tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body. The pack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and not sag down to the buttocks. If the school allows a backpack with wheels, they can be helpful if a student has a heavy load to carry.

Lastly, we recommend coming into the office to get a “back to school” adjustment. If your child is complaining about neck or back pain, it is never too late to have them adjusted. We also provide backpack evaluations at our office. Muscle strains from backpack use are fairly common but it does not have to be something that is a common occurrence. We are here to help.

The Van Ness Chiropractic Difference

At Van Ness Chiropractic, we realize that stress and imbalance in the body is not one size fits all. We have the clinical knowledge and expert staff to offer treatment that is both effective and empowering. Call us today at (847) 842-8070 to set up your appointment for a comprehensive examination and get on the road to health today. You can also visit us at vannesschiro.com to find out more.