Shouldering the Burden.Backpacks have become as much a back-to-school staple as notebooks and pens. But an improperly worn or too-heavy backpack can harm joints and muscles of young students. Rules of thumb to help your child's backpack "make the grade" include: * Wear both straps--slinging a backpack over one shoulder causes a child to lean against the uneven weight, curving the spine. This can cause back pain and strained shoulders and neck. * Watch the pack's weight--students are carrying heavier loads, with some older students toting all their textbooks and even a change of clothing. Even when worn properly, this extra weight can affect the natural curve of the back. A good rule is to carry no more than 15 to 20 percent of one's body weight. * Wider is better--narrow straps can hinder hin·der 1 v. hin·dered, hin·der·ing, hin·ders v.tr. 1. To be or get in the way of. 2. To obstruct or delay the progress of. v.intr. circulation and affect nerves in the shoulder and collarbone col·lar·bone n. See clavicle. region. This can lead to numbness numbness /numb·ness/ (num´nes) anesthesia (1). Numbness Loss of feeling or sensation. Mentioned in: Topical Anesthesia or tingling tin·gle v. tin·gled, tin·gling, tin·gles v.intr. 1. To have a prickling, stinging sensation, as from cold, a sharp slap, or excitement: tingled all over with joy. in the arms. Look for backpacks with wide straps. (American Physical Therapy Association The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education. ) |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion