It’s that time of the year again and as back to school preparations start to take place Living Chiropractic is encouraging parents to be mindful of their child’s spinal heath this new school year.
The back to school period is a great time for parents to check the fitting of their child’s backpack and by making a few simple changes may help prevent poor posture and long-term spinal health issues.
Some of the signs of poor posture to look out for from an incorrectly worn backpack may include: forward head posture, slouching and uneven hips. Identifying and stopping these signs early on is important as the spine is still developing during the adolescent years.
Avoiding back to school backache is easy with these simple tips on how to wear a backpack correctly:
Size: make sure the backpack is appropriately sized and no wider than the child’s chest.
Weight: backpacks should ideally be no heavier than 10 per cent of a student’s weight when packed. Some of the ways to keep the weight of the load down is by packing only essential items and storing unrequired items in a school locker.
Straps: both shoulder straps (preferably padded) should always be worn. Make sure to secure the sternum, waist and compression straps.
Position: the backpack shouldn’t be worn any lower than the hollow of the lower back with all heavy items positioned at the base of the pack, closest to the spine.
Designed to act as “your pocket chiropractorâ€, the Straighten Up app also contains posture reminders, spinal health tips and a 3-minute exercise program. You can download the Straighten Up (Australia) app from the App Store or Google Play.
CAA, Spartan School Supplies and Macquarie University (NSW), joined forces to research and develop the ‘Chiropak’. This durable, functional and comfortable backpack is proven to reduce the incidence and severity of neck and back pain associated with the carriage of heavy loads. Find out more about the Spartan Chiropak at www.bit.ly/CAAChiropak
The Chriopractor’s welcome parents to make an appointment at Living Chiropractic this back to school period for more advice and assistance on selecting the right backpack, making sure it is fitted correctly to suit the child’s current level of development and to receive a copy of the back to school Straighten Up app card.
For more information on how to maintain a healthy spine, please visit www.chiropractors.asn.au
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system without the use of surgery or drugs. Australian chiropractors are five-year university trained healthcare professionals, regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and must complete mandatory continuing professional development.
