Don’t Let School Become a Pain in the Back

SYDNEY – 12 March 2019 - As children settle back into school across the country, Sydney chiropractor Dr Paula Basilio (Chiropractor) would like to remind parents and guardians that heavy, poorly fitted and over-packed school bags may lead to spinal health problems in children.

 

Dr Basilio (Chiropractor) advises parents that spinal health and postural problems may go unnoticed for some time. It pays to be posture aware and to ensure children are as comfortable as possible when they head off to school.

 

“What we know is that backpacks shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of the weight of your child.”

 

“Unfortunately, I see it more than often that backpacks are way too heavy for the child. This puts unnecessary compressive forces on the spine, giving children aches and pains,” Dr Basilio (Chiropractor) said.

 

Dr Basilio (Chiropractor), a chiropractor in Dulwich Hill and also an Associate Supervisor at Macquarie University Chiropractic Clinic, knows that carrying heavy loads is a common cause of lower back pain and injury.  

 

“Carrying heavy loads and lifting things incorrectly is a common cause of injury, especially if your posture is slightly off in the first place,” Dr Basilio said.

 

Parents can take an active role in making sure they encourage their children to correctly use backpacks by using both shoulder straps. If you find that your child’s posture is starting to suffer as a result of backpack use, please contact your nearest approved Chiropractor for an assessment.

 

“As a Chiropractor I find that it’s much easier for the families if they take a proactive role and address their children’s spinal health at a young age,” Dr. Basilio said.

 

If you are worried about your child's backpack weight, here are a few lifestyle and backpack modifications tips:

 

Six simple tips for wearing a backpack:

 

1) Make sure the backpack is the right size for your child, no wider than their chest and no lower than the hollow of their back

 

2) Pack the heaviest items closest to the spine i.e. the back of the backpack

 

3) Look for a design with a moulded frame on the back, that when adjusted fits their spine

 

4) Always use waist and shoulder straps 

 

5) Prioritise comfort and fit over style, trend and colour

 

6) Don’t overload the bags, or consider leaving items at school on different days of the week

 

According to the Australian Chiropractors Association, up to 300,000 patient visits are made to Australian chiropractors every week. Chiropractic care is concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

 

Chiropractic is a low risk profession with an enviable safety record in Australia, a result of evidence-based care delivered by five-year university educated healthcare professionals.

 

For more information on maintaining a healthy spine, please visit the website of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia at www.chiropractors.asn.au or My Back Relief Clinic at mybackreliefclinic.com.au.

 

About My Back Relief Clinic

At My Back Relief Clinic our aim is to provide quality Chiropractic care for musculo-skeletal problems. We intend to provide a safe and caring environment for our patients. Treatments at our clinic may often involve a combination of  spinal adjustments, muscle work, rehabilitation, ergonomic advice and preventative exercises. 

Dr Paula Basilio (Chiropractor)

My Back Relief Clinic

Web: https://mybackreliefclinic.com.au

 

 

- ENDS –