By now, you’ve probably tackled your child’s back-to-school supply list, and have their brand new backpacks stuffed to the brim with all of the goodies they’ll need for the 20

16-2017 school year.

You may have even glanced over it and thought to yourself,

Can my child really carry all of that?”

And that’s a great question to ask yourself. Wearing a backpack wrong can lead to more pressure on the neck, shoulders and back, according to researchers.

As a child, nothing used to excite me more than getting fresh supplies f

or a new school year, and carefully labeling each item with my name. I would then spend a considerable amount of time organizing all of these items into my monogrammed Jansport backpack.

Until it was time to carry this backpack. I could have done without that.

For most school-aged children, unless they’re using a rolling bag, their backpacks can tend to weigh them down a bit. With textbooks, workbooks, notebooks, and more, it doesn’t take much for this heavy sack full of brain-boosting material to take a toll on even the youngest of spines. When done safely, wearing a backpack means that 80% to 90% of the load weight rests on the hips, without tugging at the neck and shoulders. At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, we are regularly educating our clients on the right and wrong way to wear a backpack - to prevent pain, injury, or issues with posture.

Here are Dr. Gena’s tips for the right way to wear a backpack, and keep your child pain free for the school year!

  • Back packs should always be worn using both straps.
  • Adjust the settings of the straps so that they feel taught and keep the weight-load of the backpack carried higher (meaning the backpack should not hang low to the ground).
  • If your child has an unusually heavy load of books and supplies, consider getting a second set to keep at home if possible (to prevent having to carry the weight).
  • Lighten the load in the back by holding some heavy textbooks in the front. Better to split the weight evenly than keep it all on the back of your child.
  • Encourage your child to stand up tall and stretch once they remove their backpack.
  • Consider a rolling bag – this may not be your child’s preferred mode of storing supplies, but it may be the safest opportunity for them to transport their books.

Bonus tip! Don’t forget to make Dr. Gena your choice for pediatric chiropractic care. Preventative care is the best kind, and will help to ensure your child’s comfort all year long. Located just outside of Fort Lauderdale in Plantation, Florida, we are open Saturdays for your convenience.

Best wishes for a successful school year from all of us at Dr. Gena Chiropractic.

Remember, your health is in your hands, but Dr. Gena’s hands are here to help!

Locations

Office Hours

Monday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

Closed

Saturday

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sunday
Closed