Doral FL Chiropractor Discusses Proper Child Backpacks

Although children are smaller than adults, and their bodies are still growing and developing, parents tend to weigh them down with backpacks that are far too…

September 15, 2021

Child Backpacks

Although children are smaller than adults, and their bodies are still growing and developing, parents tend to weigh them down with backpacks that are far too heavy and unbalanced. Lower back pain is the most common health issue suffered by Americans and in many cases, it all starts in childhood with those oversized backpacks. No parent wants their child to suffer so listen to the advice of a Doral FL chiropractor when it comes to proper child backpacks.

Selecting a Backpack in Doral FL

The first order of business is to select a backpack that will be supportive and won’t put undue stress on any part of a child’s body. Child backpacks should be made of lightweight material and be proportionate to the size of the child’s body. Buying large backpacks with the thought of fitting more into them will only cause problems.

Look for backpacks that have several individualized compartments to help you balance out the weight effectively. Padded shoulder straps that are at least two inches wide and a strap that goes around the waist also features to look for when making your purchase.

Packing the Backpack

When packing the backpack, distribute the weight evenly and try to ensure it weighs less than 15% of the child’s body weight. If it is too heavy the child will bend forward slightly to try and counterbalance the weight on the shoulders. The heaviest items in the backpack should be packed closest to the body and if it isn’t necessary leave it out.

Wearing the Backpack

When a child is wearing a backpack the shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the pack is close to the body. This will distribute the weight of the pack evenly over the spine and prevent misalignment. It’s important that kids use both of the straps on the backpack so the weight distribution remains equal. You should also show your child how to bend at the knees to pick up the backpack and instruct him not to twist or bend at the waist while wearing it.

Potential Issues

For some reason, we don’t seem to think that children are at risk for the same types of physical issues as adults when it comes to wearing heavy backpacks. Most Doral FL chiropractors will tell you this isn’t true and that children can suffer from many of the same issues as adults. Regular use of a heavy backpack can result in:

Back and shoulder pain
Numbness and tingling in the arms
Poor posture
Reduced blood flow
Headache and neck pain
Distorted natural spine curvature
Muscle strain caused by overcompensation

Wearing an improper backpack sets the stage for a host of physical problems later in life. If you’re not sure how to proceed or your child is already showing some of the above symptoms contact our team at Optimum Spine Chiropractic Center today.

Backpack Safety
Chiropractic Care

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About Optimum Spine

Chiropractic care can support people of different ages, lifestyles and stages of life, from those seeking relief or recovering from an injury to those who want to care for their mobility and well-being.
Certain adjustments or techniques may not be appropriate in situations such as:
Acute fractures Dislocations or joint instability Active infections affecting bones or joints Tumors or cancer affecting the spine or bone tissue Other medical conditions requiring prior evaluation or clearance
In these cases, your safety comes first. If chiropractic care is not appropriate for you, we will tell you and guide you on the next step.
First, we want to understand what is happening with you.
We begin with a conversation about your symptoms, health history and what you want to get back to doing or improve. Then we assess your posture, mobility and musculoskeletal function. When clinically indicated, we may request or perform imaging studies such as X-rays.
This information helps us explain our findings, whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you and the next steps.
The New Patient Special includes this initial evaluation.
In general, a chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. We use instrument-assisted techniques and gentle, controlled manual techniques selected for each patient’s needs, condition and comfort.
Not everyone receives the same type of adjustment. Before we begin, we explain which technique we will use and why.
Some people may experience mild, temporary soreness after a session, similar to how they feel after exercise.
There is no single frequency for everyone. It depends on your evaluation, your needs and the goals we agree on together.
After your initial evaluation, we will explain our recommendations. If chiropractic care is appropriate for you, we will develop a plan with a visit frequency suited to your case.
The plan is reviewed periodically and may change as your needs and progress change.
Care should always be adapted to the person and their stage of life.
During pregnancy, we use specific techniques adapted to the changes in the mother’s body. For babies and children, the evaluation and techniques are also adapted to their age, development and individual needs.
Yes. Our doctors and front desk team speak English and Spanish fluently, so you can receive care in whichever language feels most comfortable.