The American

Chiropractic Association suggests the following tips to help prevent the

needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household

(and now that backpacks have begun replacing briefcases in the workplace,

you, too, might want to follow this advice:

Make sure

your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her

body weight. If the backpack is heavier, it will cause your child to begin

bending forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back

rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.

A backpack

with individualized compartments will help in positioning the contents

most effectively. When packing the backpack, make sure that pointy or

bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's

back. An uneven surface rubbing against your child's back could cause

painful blisters.

It is important

that your child wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around

one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms as well as low-back pain.

Padded straps

are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable and usually dig

into your child's shoulders.

The shoulder

straps should also be adjustable, so the backpack can be fitted to your

child's body. Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack

to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.

If the backpack

is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. It might be possible

for your child to leave the heaviest books at school and bring home only

lighter handout materials or workbooks.

Talk to your

child about the proper use of backpacks and help him or her understand

why this and other ergonomic issues are important. A child who is educated

early in life on the importance of ergonomics can apply this knowledge

later in life at home or in the office and will be happier and healthier

as a result.

If you or your

child experience any pain or discomfort in the shoulders, arms, legs or

back, call your doctor of chiropractic to assess any adverse effects resulting

from backpack use. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to

diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of

treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also

prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles,

along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.

If you like

to surf the Net, check out the American Chiropractic Association's Web

page. Not only can you find a doctor of chiropractic near you, but you

can learn about the history of chiropractic, exercises to avoid spinal

problems, chiropractic education and important studies about the effectiveness

of chiropractic care. Visit www.americhiro.org .

Submitted

770-461-BACK (2225).

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