A topic recently to hit the media is that of back pain in children. A recent study published looked at the effect of back pack weight on the likelihood of developing back pain. They studied 1403 school children,  Of which, 61.4% had backpacks exceeding 10% of their body weight. They found that those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50% higher risk of back pain.

This is a common topic at the moment and the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) offers the following advice aimed at preventing back pain in children to preserve the health of their backs now and into the future:

·         Bag it up – if your child has to carry a bag to school – a rucksack is the best option as long as it is carried over both shoulders, and the straps are adjusted so that the bag is held close to the back. Loads are easier to carry when held closer to the body and symmetrically (try not to have a load held off to one side), ensuring weight is evenly distributed

·         Check it– make sure your child is not carrying any unnecessary excess weight – check daily that all the items in their bags are essential. Ensure school bags are packed correctly – heavy objects should be packed first and placed on the inside of the bag, close to the spine and pelvis

·         Best Foot Forward – Make sure your child has good footwear; soft-soled shoes that are supportive and have a good grip will make it easier for them to carry a heavier school bag

·         Exercise – lack of exercise is your child’s worst enemy. Encourage your child to take regular exercise as, the fitter your child is, the less likely they are to injure themselves

·         Don’t ignore pain or discomfort – If your child can’t stand up straight easily or they complain that the bag limits their movement – then it is too heavy. Encourage your child to tell you about pain or discomfort that may be caused by a heavy schoolbag. Pain in a child or teenager should not be ignored

https://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/weighed-down-113-news.aspx

If your child has been complaining of back pain and you wish to discuss this with one of our highly qualified Chiropractors contact us on the following numbers.

Chester 01244 682500

Wirral 0151 648 7878