Back To School Back Trouble
Are you sending your child off to the first day of school with a brand-new backpack slung over his or her shoulder? If youre like most parents, a new backpack was on your childs back-to-school shopping list. ...
Although these bags have become as common as pencils and chalkboards in schools across the country, according to Dr. Ross Coccimiglio you may want to think twice before putting your youngster on the bus with this schoolyard staple. New research reveals an alarming danger associated with childhood backpack use. You know that kids are carrying more in their backpacks than ever before. Small children seem to be carrying loads that are twice their size. A large load may mean great grades, but could it be bad on their health?
According to Dr. Ross Coccimiglio, a chiropractor with Four Points Family Chiropractic in Austin, TX, the heavy loads children carry to and from school could hurt them now and in the future by misaligning the growing spine and causing problems that can last a lifetime.
Big backpacks can lead to big problems for your child, Dr. Ross Coccimiglio said as he was talking and demonstrating to kids and parents at the new River Place Elementary School open house on Thursday night. Many children are getting the wrong bag, lifting it the wrong way and over packing, which can lead to many problems with your childs back and overall health.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 7,860 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags. This number doesnt include the number of visits to other physicians. The CPSC also reports that backpack-related injuries are up 360% since 1996.
Unfortunately the problem is continuing to grow because the books are getting bigger and the extras, such as games and toys, are getting thrown into an already-heavy load. The wrong backpack and the overall weight of the bag have a lot to do with it.
There are four steps to backpack safety, the first and most important of which is choosing the correct backpack:
Choose right. A good rule is to get a backpack that is not bigger in width than the childs torso. The bag should have multiple compartments that promote even weight distribution. Check to make sure that there is adequate padding on the shoulder straps. Most importantly, purchase a bag that features a waist strap. A waist strap allows the child to anchor the weight to his or her torso, reducing the stress on their developing spine.
Pack right. Loaded backpacks should not weigh more than 15 percent of your childs total body weight, which can add up quickly in small children. If the loaded bag causes the child to lean forward, its too heavy.
Although 15% of total body weight doesnt sound like much, it adds up. Too much weight causes the child to lean forward, creating stress on the spine that can cause a lifetime of health problems, said Dr. Ross Coccimiglio.
Lift Right. To lift, the child should face the pack, bend at the knees, use both hands to check the weight of the pack, lift with the knees and then carefully apply one shoulder strap followed by the other.
Wear Right. Backpacks should be worn using both shoulder straps, snug but not too tight. When your backpack has a waist strap, use it to stabilize the load.
Children think that its cool to carry their bag with only one shoulder. It might look cool now, but the spinal misalignment and muscle fatigue that can be caused by carrying the bag this way can cause health and posture problems in the future. Dr. Ross Coccimiglio explained.
He says that postural imbalances often trigger vertebral subluxations, or dysfunctional areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones are out of alignment. These subluxations can cause neck and back pain, headaches and, eventually, osteoarthritis.
Parents might not see backpack safety as much of a hazard. For those who want to test it out, pack your childs bag to be more than 15% of your body weight and tote it around. Youll see the discomfort and pain it can cause an adult, and it will help you to understand the stress it can put on the growing bones of a child, said Dr. Ross Coccimiglio.
Four Points Family Chiropractic is proud to work with Austin area schools to raise awareness on the importance of backpack safety.
Dr. Ross Coccimiglio is the Health Coach to hundreds. He can be reached at Four Points Family Chiropractic in Austin, TX. For more information on backpack safety, to have your childrens backpacks checked or to schedule an appointment, call Four Points Family Chiropractic at (512) 345-WELL (9355).
Feel free to come by with your family and meet the team at Four Points Family Chiropractic and bring any questions you may have. Or attend one of Dr. Ross Half Hour to Health workshops every other Wednesday at 6:00pm. Dr. Ross Coccimiglio and his staff are dedicated to showing how you and your family can reach optimal health. Contact his office for more information. Four Points Family Chiropractic, for Pediatric Development and Adult Health, 6618 Sitio Del Rio Blvd. Suite 101 (In River Place Plaza, across from the IBC Bank), Ph 512-345-9355 (WELL). Or visit www.fourpointschiropractic.com.
Watching Your Back
Your Health Coach,
Dr. Ross Coccimiglio
P.S. Our school supply drive ends this Friday August 24th, to help those that are less fortunate and can't afford the school supplies needed to succeed in school.