HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ – August 02, 2016 – According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric
Orthopedics, students bearing excessive weight in
their backpacks can develop long-lasting back pain, among a multitude of
serious health conditions including neck pain, tingling and numbness of the
arms and shoulders, headaches, muscle spasms and postural decline. As the
back-to-school season quickly approaches, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), the leading voice of the
chiropractic profession, calls attention to the safety concerns associated with
carrying heavy backpacks and validates the significant impact of postural
habits on overall health.
“Over time, the heavy weight of a backpack can cause an unnatural
alignment of the spine as students are forced to offset the pressure by arching
the back or bending forward at the hips,” states
Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president, F4CP, who notes that the weight of a backpack should
be no more than five to 10 percent of an individual’s body weight. She
continues, “To help combat
backpack-related postural stress, students should consider bags that offer
multiple compartments and tightened, padded straps worn on both shoulders to
help appropriately position and distribute weight.”
In addition to the added stress that backpacks place
on the spine, students who are prone to slouching, rounding the
shoulders, or protruding the head forward may experience further pain from
sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) – who receive a
minimum of seven years of higher level education – specialize in spinal health
and wellness and are specifically trained to provide hands-on care that helps
to naturally align and strengthen the spine, as well as counsel patients about
nutrition, exercise and
proper body positioning tips.
“Addressing postural habits is especially important while children
and adolescents are still growing, as they are more inclined to implement
strong body mechanics at an early age, essentially avoiding the impact of
improper alignment later on in life. The slogan to remember for good posture is practice makes permanent, so practice good posture,” shares Dr. McAllister. “To
prevent backpack-related pain or discomfort, I recommend consulting a doctor of
chiropractic to learn more about how to reduce the risk of injury and back
pain, and to improve overall spinal configuration, muscle support and health.”
For additional
information regarding the importance of backpack safety and the value of
chiropractic care, please view the F4CP’s public service announcement here.
About
Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
A
not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP)
informs and educates the general public about the value of
chiropractic care. Visit www.f4cp.com or call 866-901-F4CP (3427).
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