Chiropractor ugres backpack sense

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Chiropractor ugres backpack sense
August 22, 2008
By Sara Buscher Ô Free Press Staff Writer

SHELBURNE -- When it comes to a growing child's spine, wearing a backpack can be risky business, said Dr. Heather Rice of Network Chiropractic of Vermont.

An ill-fitting backpack is one of the main causes of poor posture and neck and back strain among children, Rice said.

"Lugging around an overloaded backpack that doesn't fit properly and isn't worn correctly can cause damage that will affect a child's health for the rest of his or her life," Rice said.

"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."

An improperly worn backpack can cause injury to a child's shoulders and/or spine that could cause future misalignment of the vertebrae, Rice said. As a chiropractor, Rice specializes in the causes and correction of misaligned vertebrae and says scoliosis, an altered lateral curve of the spine, can also be aggravated by a poorly fitting backpack.

A parent can tell if a child's backpack fits correctly by looking at the child's posture with the backpack in place, Rice says. If the child is leaning forward or hunching over, if his shoulders are rounded, or if the child's posture changes when the backpack is removed, the pack doesn't fit: Complaints of discomfort or back pain are also warning signs.

When a backpack is loaded and fits properly, a child's ears should be directly above his shoulders.

A child should never carry a backpack weighing more than 15 percent of his body weight, Rice said. Children should also be taught how to pack, lift and wear their gear properly.

Through the end of August, Network Chiropractic of Vermont is offering free backpack screenings. Children may be fitted for a custom "air pack" backpack specially designed to provide lumbar support, or bring their own pack for fitting.

To learn more or to reserve a time for the 15-minute screening, call Katie at 985-9850. Rice is also available for school presentations on the topic.

Backpack tips Features to consider when purchasing a backpack:

Padded straps to reduce pressure on nerves and blood vessels to the arms.
Multiple compartments to distribute weight evenly.
Firm material to prevent sagging.
Waist and chest straps to help distribute weight evenly across the back.

Contact Sara Buscher at 651-4811 or sbuscher@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com