WHY YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK COULD BE AFFECTING THEIR HEALTH IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Kids all across Colorado Springs are prepping to get back to school. Choosing a backpack is essential to that process. But, what you may not realize is that the wrong backpack could be affecting the overall health of your child in Colorado Springs.

USING THE WRONG SIZED BACKPACK CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH in Colorado Springs

Using the wrong backpack size on your child’s spine can have a significant impact on your child’s spine and overall health. (Even if the backpack is super cute or cool.) Back pain in children has escalated over the last several years, leaving pediatric health care professionals wary of putting an overly heavy or misfitted backpack on the back of children across the country.

Why? Because heavy backpacks put a certain amount of force on your spine that can cause muscle strain, compression of discs, and can even distort the natural curve of your child’s spine. And having correct curvature of the spine is vital to the growth of your child!

When a child has a heavy backpack on, they typically lean forward and shift their center of gravity in order to compensate for the heavy-weight. This results in rounded shoulders and adding curvature to the upper back. Ultimately, it’s this pressure that compresses their spines and increases their risk of injury, especially those related to falls. A change in a child’s curvature can also cause subluxations leading to nerve irritation and damage. This in and of itself, can have long term detrimental effects.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BACKPACK SIZE FOR YOUR CHILD

As you go back to school shopping this fall, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing that super cool backpack:

• Most supporting backpacks carry weight centered between the shoulder blades.
• Your child’s backpack should not be longer than the actual size of their back.
• Every child is different. To find the right width measure between the ridges of the shoulder blades and add an extra inch or 2.
• To find the right height measure from the shoulder line where the straps will rest to the waistline or belly button. Add 2 inches to that measurement and that gives you the maximum height for your child’s backpack.

SO, WHAT IF THERE IS ALREADY DAMAGE DONE?

If your child has suffered damage from heavy or misfitted backpacks, don’t worry. It is often reversible. Make sure you follow the guidelines for choosing the proper backpack (above) and get your child’s spine checked on a regular basis at True North Health Center!

TRUE NORTH CHIROPRACTIC: RATED BEST LOCAL CHIROPRACTOR, COLORADO SPRINGS

At True North Health Center, our doctors are here to help you get to the root of your issues. They administer the best and most specific type of chiropractic care catered to YOUR health. Through their gentle and specific technique, they have treated hundreds of families and children in the Colorado Springs area. Schedule your $47 New Patient Special first appointment today by clicking here!