woman and smiling boy with backpackMany kids use backpacks year-round, whether to carry books to school or belongings to a friend or family member’s house.

While backpacks help with organization and provide a convenient way to transports items, improper use can lead to back pain and other injuries.

Learn about how heavy backpacks can affect posture and get tips on how to correct it!

Impact of Weight On the Spine

Perhaps in a rush, some children might only wear one shoulder strap. In an effort to compensate for the excess weight on one side, your spine may lean in the opposite direction. This undue strain can shift the spine out of normal alignment, leading to deterioration of the discs between vertebrae.

This degeneration can result in a loss of shock absorption and flexibility in the spine. In addition to pain, stiffness and restricted motion, you may also experience tingling or numbness, as a result of the straps pinching nerves and interfering with circulation.

On the other hand, wearing both shoulder straps does not completely eliminate risk of injury. If the backpack is too heavy, the weight could pull you backwards.

In an attempt to stay upright, your body may bend forward at the hips, causing your back to arch and the spine to unnaturally compress.

Tips to Support Good Posture

Did you know poor posture can also cause headaches, decreased flexibility and diminished mobility? The following tips can help prevent these injuries related to carrying a backpack:

  • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should carry no more than 10 – 20% of their body weight in a backpack.
  • Make sure the backpack is proportionate to your child’s height and weight.
  • Look for backpacks with plenty of individualized compartments to balance weight.
  • Evenly distribute the backpack’s weight using both shoulder straps.
  • Pack only what’s necessary to reduce weight, placing the heaviest items in back.
  • To protect the lower back, bend at the knees to lift your bag from the ground.
  • If your backpack has a waist or chest strap, use it for added support.
  • To maintain good posture, keep your shoulders down, chest open and back straight.

When our internal systems are not functioning properly, the rest of the body can feel the difference. If you’re experiencing neck, shoulder or back pain, spinal adjustments can help relieve any nerve compression. To learn more about chiropractic care, contact us today!

"This practice has been the only place that got rid of my shoulder pain. Prior I tried an orthopedic and PT with no success. I was told it was just due to getting older. Dr. D doesn’t believe people have to live with pain and helped it go away. To top it all off, you never have to wait long in the waiting room."
Jennifer D.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda S.
"They are not only extremely professional and helpful but genuinely care about your well being! In addition, the group is very supportive of the community. I love that they partnered with We Are the Children to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys.
Jocelyn D.
"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"The administrative staff and practitioners are all friendly, capable, efficient, and very responsive. In addition, Dr. Keith Wade is knowledgeable, passionate about his craft, patient and thorough in answering questions. As a direct result of all that, my low back, ankles an knees feel much better, I am in less pain, and I am less afraid that my back will keep hurting or "going out." I am very grateful."
Malinda B.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey M.
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy W.
"Dr Francesco and the staff are outstanding. I am so glad I found out about this chiropractic practice and am forever grateful for how much better I am feeling since getting treatments there."
Jody L.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"At my first appointment, I couldn’t stand up straight. I am now able to go back to my regular exercise routine. The staff is very knowledgeable, very friendly and organized. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even when the office is very busy."
Amanda B.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"Best Chiropractic center in the State. I went to three chiropractors and none of them got my lower back back into place. I went to see Dr. D. and he snapped me back to normal in the first visit. Look no further. This place is the pinnacle of Chiropractic."
Joseph B.
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela P.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip G.
"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"From the moment you walk into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every single patient's name. They treat you like family and put a lot of emphasis on your care. I started coming to this office when my son was about 4 months old and now at 11 months old, I have seen SO much progress with his neck that I myself started to see Dr D. and I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful place."
Nichole C.
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin L.
"Best Chiropractic center in the State. I went to three chiropractors and none of them got my lower back back into place. I went to see Dr. D. and he snapped me back to normal in the first visit. Look no further. This place is the pinnacle of Chiropractic."
Joseph B.
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela P.
"Being a part of this chiropractic "family" has been a totally positive experience. The office itself is calming and clean, the office staff is friendly and engaging and makes a point to know everyone's name. Regarding the professional staff, I feel like I have gotten top quality care. I would definitely recommend this practice!!"
Diane Z.
"They are not only extremely professional and helpful but genuinely care about your well being! In addition, the group is very supportive of the community. I love that they partnered with We Are the Children to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys.
Jocelyn D.
"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"Dr Francesco and the staff are outstanding. I am so glad I found out about this chiropractic practice and am forever grateful for how much better I am feeling since getting treatments there."
Jody L.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
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