Back pain is prevalent among adults, however it is not uncommon among children either. More and more young children and teenagers are suffering from back pain – the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor – according to the American Chiropractic Association. Yet, this new back pain trend among youngsters isn’t all that surprising when considering the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their school backpacks every day.
Carrying a backpack can force spinal vertebrae out of their proper positions. When spinal misalignment occurs, it interferes with the ability of the nervous system to function normally, leading to numerous musculoskeletal problems such as lower back pain, and back and neck stiffness. However, chiropractor care can help with the aliment of the spine when this happens.
The increasing intensity of school curriculum can be challenging and stressful for your child, but proper nerve function will help their brain deal with challenges, aid in concentration at school and relieve stress.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Kids & Teens
Chiropractic adjustments can help prevent injury from backpacks and encourage correct posture by properly aligning your child’s back. At Merckling Family Chiropractic, Dr. Joseph R. Merckling, who is licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages, will not only align the spine, but will prescribe kids exercises designed to help them develop strong muscles and good posture. When treating patients, Dr. Merckling carefully manipulates the vertebrae back into the proper position so that spinal nerves are no longer compressed and irritated.
As children go through their development and growth spurts, it’s imperative that they are aware of their posture and it’s even more important that parents remind them to stand up straight and not slouch. Kids who wear heavy backpacks or wear them improperly, causing the weight to be unevenly distributed are at risk for lower back pain, and neck and shoulder pain. Injuries to back muscles can happen when kids try to adapt to carrying heavy backpacks by leaning forward, leaning to one side or arching their backs.
Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 6,512 children were treated in emergency rooms in 2017 for injuries related to carrying heavy backpacks. Fifty-four percent of those children were in the age range of 5 to 14-years-old. There are however, tips to help prevent the unwanted pain that backpack misuse could cause. First, make certain your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of their body weight and ensure that they wear both straps over the shoulders to evenly distribute weight. More and more youngsters are suffering from back pain due to the use of overweight backpacks. However, this isn’t all that surprising considering the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their school backpacks every day. A backpack that hangs too low will increase the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when standing or walking.
With the goal to keep your child in top health this school year, visiting a chiropractor can help maintain proper spinal alignment and boost overall health.
