Advice about Backpacks and Back Pain from Your Topeka Chiropractor

Kids and teens who wear heavy backpacks or wear them improperly so that weight is not even distributed are at risk for lower back pain, recurring backache, neck and shoulder pain. Injuries to back muscles and ligaments can happen when kids try to adapt to carrying crammed backpacks by leaning forward, leaning to either side, arching their backs or posturing improperly. Your chiropractor in Topeka wants kids to know how backpacks can give them lower back pain, what chiropractic back pain treatment is and how to prevent back pain if they must carry backpacks.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Back Pain in Kids and Teens

Carrying backpacks can force spinal vertebrae out of their proper positions. Misalignment of the spine interferes with the ability of the nervous system to function normally when nerves extending from the spine are compressed and irritated by out-of-place vertebrae. This often contributes to numerous musculoskeletal problems such as cervical and lower back pain, back and neck stiffness and unusual tiredness.

Kids and teens receiving a chiropractic adjustment from their Topeka chiropractor as back pain treatment will enjoy backache relief without taking ibuprofen or aspirin. Chiropractors performing adjustments use a gentle yet effective hands-on technique to correct subluxation (vertebrae misalignment), improve the functioning of the sacroiliac joint and relieve pressure on sensitive nerves. Most of our younger patients experience rapid pain relief as Dr. Boltz carefully manipulates their vertebrae back into their proper positions so that spinal nerves are no longer compressed and irritated.

Tips for Preventing Back Pain from Carrying Backpacks

• Purchase backpacks wide straps, plastic frame sheets and padded backs for added rigidity and structure. This will help distribute weight more evenly over your back.
• Chiropractors suggest backpacks should not weight more than 10 percent of a child's body weight.
• Place heavier items nearer to the back when packing a backpack to avoid one side being heavier than the other.
• Don't "sling" a backpack over one shoulder, Make sure you put both straps over your shoulders to evenly distribute weight.

Call Your Chiropractor in Topeka Today to Learn More!

For more information about proper methods of carrying backpacks or to schedule an appointment for back pain treatment, call your chiropractor in Topeka today at 785-272-2090.