Care More's Tips For Choosing the Right Backpack


Hi parents!
 
It's back to school time! While some of you are celebrating & throwing a 'Yea, finally!' party some of you may be missing the kids & feeling the tug on the heartstrings, and they haven't even started school yet... (in Roswell that is!)  

No matter how you're reacting to the end of summer and start of school, in most homes it means it's time to hit the stores for some Back to School shopping.  Regardless of the age of your kids (this holds true for those headed off to High School and College) buying a new backpack is probably on the list. While most race over and pick a backpack based on color and brand, with little thought to the importance of choosing the 'right' backpack. 

The 'wrong' backpack can lead to poor posture with rounded shoulders or forward head carriage, scoliosis, & a myriad of symptoms ranging from neck & shoulder pain, headaches, to numbness in the hands or arms. These issues can then lead to improper weight bearing, restricted motion to one direction, poor balance & coordination. 

It's important to know how to CHOOSE the correct backpack, PACK it correctly & CARRY it properly to maintain function & prevent injuries. 

Today Care More Chiropractic will you address the first step...
  
CHOOSE IT RIGHT 
  1. Choose a backpack that is the right size for the individual's body size....not larger than what is really needed!  Don't fall into the 'you'll grow into it & get several years out of this one' trap! The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulders, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the pelvis (place hands on your child's hips & you can go slightly lower... try not to let it hang over your child's butt!) 
  2. Select a backpack made of lightweight material such as vinyl or canvas instead of leather. (Leather may look & wear nicely but it comes with a price - weight & $s)
  3. The shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide, adjustable, & padded. Check that they do not cut into or fit too snugly around the arms & armpits. Poorly designed shoulder straps can dig deep into muscles causing strain & even pinched nerves.
  4. A backpack should have a padded back for added protection & comfort.
  5. A hip strap or waist belt helps to effectively redistribute as much as 50 to 70 percent of the weight off the upper body and onto the pelvis, equalizing the strain on the bones, joints, & muscles.
  6. Choose a backpack that has several individual pockets instead of one large compartment. This will help to distribute the weight evenly & keep contents from shifting.
  7. You may want to explore other options such as a backpack style carrier with wheels & a pull handle for easy rolling.

Here's to finding the perfect backpack for your kids!  


In Health,

Dr. K






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