Backpack Safety Tips from Our Family Chiropractors in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Port St. Lucie

When summer break gives way to a new school year, you're likely to see kids strolling along the sidewalks or waiting at bus stops, wearing backpacks that might be just as well suited for a weekend camping expedition. But school backpacks aren't fun and games -- in fact, incorrect backpack loading and usage can do significant harm to your little ones. Here are some helpful backpack safety tips from our Family chiropractor at Papa Chiropractic & Physical Therapy.

• Choose the right backpack - Select a backpack that doesn't extend more than 4 inches below the waist. A two-strap model will distribute weight across the shoulders more evenly than a single-strap model; if you can find one that also has a waist strap, that's even better.
• Wear the backpack correctly - Make sure your child is actually using both of those shoulder straps. Adjust those straps so the backpack doesn't hang too low, but not so tight that blood flow is lessened or nerves are pinched. Have your child lift from the knees when picking up a full backpack.
• Don't overload the backpack - A cavernous backpack is an invitation to throw everything but the kitchen sinks inside -- but don't do it! Make certain that the fully-loaded backpack doesn't exceed 15 percent of its wearer's body weight. Advise your child to place the heaviest objects toward the bottom center of the backpack.
• Watch out for signs of trouble - If your backpack-wearing child seems to be suffering from neck, back or shoulder pain, schedule an appointment with our Jupiter chiropractor for advice and any needed treatment.

Get Backpack Advice from a Family Chiropractor Parents Trust

If you still have concerns over school backpack safety issues, talk to the chiropractor Jupiter, FL parents trust with their kids' health. Call Papa Chiropractic & Physical Therapy at 561-744-7373 and let's talk about how we can keep your studious family members safe and well all year round!

Do your kids ever complain of back or neck pain? Do they commonly wear backpacks?