Page 92 - The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition September 2012

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Health and Wellness
PAGE 92
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HEAVY BACKPACKS
POSE BACK PROBLEMS
By: Dr. Jeannine Baer Feinstein
E very September, more than 20 million
s tudents go back to school carrying back-
packs that are too heavy and pose a seri-
ous risk to their spinal health. According
to the American Chiropractic Association
( ACA), young children today suffer from
back pain much earlier than previous gen-
e rations, and poorly fitted, overly heavy
backpacks are a key factor. Improper
backpack use can result in headaches,
poor posture and various other health
problems, along with back pain.
A backpack may be one of the most
important school supplies a parent can
purchase in regard to their child’s health
a nd safety. The Association of New Jersey
Chiropractors (ANJC), one of the largest
a ssociations of its kind in the nation with
a lmost 2000 members statewide, believes
that backpack safety is a critical health
concern that needs to be addressed.
Choose It Right – Select a backpack that
has wide cushioned straps, which will dis-
tribute the weight evenly on the shoul-
ders. In addition, a backpack with a waist
s trap can help stabilize the load because it
does not allow the backpack to shift
improperly.
Pack It Right – The weight of a loaded
backpack should not exceed 10-15% of
the body weight of the wearer, particular-
ly in small children. Wearers should pack
the heaviest objects first so they are car-
ried lower and closer to the body. Stu-
dents should pack only essential items in
their backpack and, if necessary, make fre-
quent stops at their lockers to exchange
books. They can also lighten the load by
carrying heavy textbooks under their arms
rather than in their backpack.
L ift It Right – Before attempting to lift a
backpack, check it’s weight. To lift, face
the backpack, bend at the knees and lift
with the legs. Always use two hands and
s lip on one strap at a time.
Wear It Right – Use both shoulder straps,
making sure they are snug but not too
tight. If the backpack touches the back
a bove the collar line, the straps are too
tight. If the pack has a waist strap, be sure
to use it.
Wheelie backpacks aren’t any better.
S urprised? “Wheelie” or rolling back-
packs, packs with wheels that can be
pulled like airplane luggage, won’t protect
your child from strain. The weight may be
s upported by the floor as your child
wheels her backpack along, but the strain
to the shoulder and torque (twisting rota-
tional movement) to the spine can be just
as stressful to his/her growing body as an
improperly fitted or excessively heavy back
pack. Also, they quickly become a safety
hazard in crowded hallways or on stairs,
and are banned in many schools. Parents
should also discourage the use of messen-
ger-style bags, which are slung over one
shoulder. Messenger-style bags put addi-
tional and uneven pressure on one shoul-
der, which can cause misalignment of the
spine.
Warning Signs for Parents – The follow-
ing warning signs indicate that a child’s
backpack may be causing a problem:
• The child cannot take off or put on the
backpack without struggling.
• The child has to lean forward to carry
the backpack.
• The child is experiencing numbness or
weakness in the arms and/or legs.
• The child has one shoulder that is high-
er than the other.
BACKPACK QUICK CHECK
• Check length of shoulder straps, adjust
if too long.
• Sharp, pointy objects away from back.
• Utilize all compartments.
• Wear on BOTH shoulders.
• Quick look to see overall posture when
pack is carried.
• Leaning forward? Pack is too heavy.
Have child carry one or two books in
arms.
• Weigh backpack monthly or when new
schedule starts or changes. (<10-15%
of body weight)
Dr. Baer is a NJ licensed chiropractic physi-
cian, with 16 years’ experience. She is an
MUA (Manipulation Under Anesthesia)
certified physician, a Certified Hospital Chi-
ropractor and a member of the Association
of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC). Dr.
Baer is a mom of two boys who wear back-
packs, and has written articles, conducted
Backpack Weigh-Ins and research regard-
ing this topic. Call the office to schedule a
complimentary BACKPACK EVALUATION
for your child. Find us on FACEBOOK, visit
our website www.stirlingchiropractor or
call us at 908-903-0111 with any ques-
tions you may have.