Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/165102
Do Backpacks Cause A Health Risk To Your Child? The International Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Orthopedics have stated that backpack injury is a significant problem for children. The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission reported backpack – related injuries send almost 6,000 students each year to emergency rooms (May 2002). More than 55% of students carry more than the recommended guidelines of 10-15% of their body weight. (Simmons University April, 2001). Up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18 (University of Michigan). The American Academy of Orthopedics stated that backpack injury is a significant problem for children (October 1999). Let us start with the basics. The body has a brain, spinal cord, and nerves that are in charge of controlling every function in your child's body. Life giving information must flow from the brain through the spinal column (made up of individual vertebrae) protect the brain stem, spinal cord, and nerves. All this makes up your child's nervous system. When the spine and nervous system are in the correct position, our child's body can function at 100 %. An incorrectly worn backpack can shift your child's stem, spinal cord and nerves. This pressure may cause pain or poorly functioning organs, glands, or possibly disease. Before you panic, there is hope for maintaining your child's health. First check your child's posture (without backpack) from behind. Check for head tilt and make sure the ears, shoulders, and hips are completely level. If one side is higher than the other, this may be a problem. Next, check from the side. You should be able to draw an imaginary vertical line from your child's ear to the shoulder, to the hip and then to the knee. Again, if you cannot do this there may be a problem. Finally, ask your child to put on their backpack, (the way they normally carry it). Now check the posture again. Remember this is a significant factor in how your child's posture will develop. Being a father of three school age kids, backpack safety is of great importance to me. If you have questions, found any problems in your child's posture, or would like to know where to purchase a better backpack, please contact my office at (813) 882-8181. Dr. Dan Durrieu Family Health Chiropractic 5015 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33634 www.drdanchiropractic.com Need relief from Digestive Disorders? Back Pain? Migraines? $35 includes exam, consult and full set of x-rays Lower Back Pain • Neck Pain Migraines • Digestive Disorders • Allergies Carpal Tunnel • Sciatica • Asthma • Ear Infections www.drdanchiropractic.com 813-882-8181 5015 W. Waters Ave. • Tampa, Fl. 33634 Our no risk policy. The patient or other person responsible for payment has the right to cancel payment, be reimbursed for any service, exam treatment which is performed as a result of, within 72 hours of responding to special offer. Page 12 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com