It's Backpack Safety Time

EDINA, Minn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Backpacks can be a leading
cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents. As
students prepare for school, the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) and
the American Spine Foundation (ASF) want to shed light on backpack safety.

The MCA and ASF are offering parents tips on preventing unnecessary backpack
pain and injuries.
-- Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded
straps are not only uncomfortable, but can also place unnecessary
pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
-- Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap
can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to
neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.
-- Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be
adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. The
backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's
back.
-- Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than
your child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches
below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the
weight
on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
-- Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides
increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by
sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.)
inside
the pack.

-- Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with
individualized
compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure
that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will
rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items
closet to the body.

The MCA and ASF recommend that parents help children pack their backpacks
properly, and make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their
body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn't carry a
backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn't carry more
than 5 pounds.

Parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems
resulting from carrying a backpack. To find a doctor of chiropractic near you,
visit MCA's Web site at www.mnchiro.com.

CONTACT: Debra Hurston
612-508-4895

SOURCE Minnesota Chiropractic Association

Debra Hurston of Minnesota Chiropractic Association, +1-612-508-4895