Free Backpack Checks at The Joint Chiropractic

August is a month of change. As summer ends, parents are excited about their children going back to school. A big part of getting children ready for going back to school means back-to-school shopping for school supplies -- including backpacks. For the safety of your children, make sure that you are incorporating these tips from The Joint Chiropractic Southpoint into purchasing your backpack, or be sure to take advantage of our free offer! 

The American Chiropractic Association reports that children are suffering from back pain much earlier in life than earlier generations and that the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. Studies show that about 97 percent of children in America use backpacks, and about a third of them experience some back pain; about 80 percent think that the backpack either caused or contributed to the pain.

Parents can help keep their child from the emergency room for backpack-related injuries by purchasing the backpack that is right for their child. 

The backpack should be no more than 10 percent of the child's weight. So, a 100-pound child should have no more than a 10-pound backpack when fully loaded. But on average, a child's backpack may weigh 12-20 pounds, which is 15-30 percent of most kids' weight. Parents should talk to teachers to see if heavier books can be left at school. 

Parents should know the warning signs of a backpack-related injury, such as back pain, neck pain and knee pain. While back-to-school shopping, make sure your child wears the backpack before purchasing it. Carefully observe the way that the child puts the backpack on. If they have difficulty putting it on, then it's not the best backpack for them. Also make sure it doesn't hang too low on them causing the child to lean forward. It should also have padded two-inch straps and be worn over both shoulders.

The Joint Chiropractic Southpoint is offering free backpack checks throughout August. Bring in your child and their backpack by the office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durahm, N.C.