By now all school kids should be actively back in school and complaining about their teachers, homework and cafeteria food. Hope fully they aren’t complaining of low back pain or neck and shoulder pain caused by too heavy or improperly fitting backpacks.
When choosing a backpack for your child, there are a few simple suggestions to look for. They include:
· Padded shoulder straps
· Padded back
· Lumbar support
· Waist belt
· Multiple compartments
· Correct size
"This is an important issue for doctors of chiropractic because we focus on wellness and preventative care," said Dr. Steven Read, clinic director of Ortega Chiropractic Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. "Our job is to help prevent health problems and that's why doctors of chiropractic are so concerned about children carrying backpacks that don't fit well or that are too heavy." “As a father of two, I see every day the heavy workload that my kids bring home from school. I know that if their backpacks weren’t properly fitted, they might be predisposed to low back or neck pain,” he added.
Dr. John Maltby, President of the International Chiropractors Association added, "Nothing is more important than the health and proper function of a child's nervous system. The spine houses a major part of the nervous system, the spinal cord. A healthy spine free of subluxations is essential for nervous system function. Backpacks when carried improperly or overloaded can be a major form of stress on a young developing spine, create subluxations, and can have serious effects on nerve system function and general health."
Dr. Steven Read is a 1988 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He has been practicing in Jacksonville, FL for over 20 years. He is the clinic director for Ortega Chiropractic and Medical Rehab. He treats patients throughout Jacksonville. Please visit Chiropractor Jacksonville or Jacksonville chiropractor for free Initial Chiropractor Consolation.
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