Many school children these days are carrying bags filled to the brim with books and stationery, and this is a growing concern amongst specialists. Of course, the “cool thing” to do is to sling the school bag over one shoulder. This is especially detrimental to the health of your children’s spine. Constant weight on one side of the body can result in uneven spinal development. Chiropractic treatments will be required in later life.
Many children also fill their school bags with unnecessary items, such as books that are not required for the day, and mountains of stationery. An inordinate amount of weight on your children’s back causes them to compensate by rounding their back and tensing their shoulders. Assist your child in packing their schoolbag and remove items that are not necessary. Chiropractors recommend checking that your child’s schoolbag has a supportive structure in order to assist in the distribution of weight, as research has proven that the incorrect carrying of a heavy school bag can cause back problems and the possible development of a hump in many children. Ideally, children should not be carrying more than 10% to 15% of their weight in their school bag.
If you are worried about the health of your children’s spine, visit a chiropractor for advice. A quick check-up can reveal if your child has uneven development in their back and spine. While back pain may not be a problem whilst your children are young, buy the time they are young adults they could be feeling the effects.