Chances are, if you think it’s heavy, it’s probably too heavy for your child. Despite technological advancements that should theoretically reduce the volume of materials required for education, surveys suggest that backpacks are actually heavier than ever.

According to the National Safety Council, heavy backpacks can cause long-lasting problems for children – such as scoliosis, damage to the spine or shoulders, and reduction of breathing capacity due to poor posture.

In order to reduce the risks associated with carrying a heavy backpack, experts recommend that they weigh no more than 10 percent of a child’s weight. That means for a 90 lb. fifth-grader, a backpack should weigh no more than 9 lbs. – maximum. Any load greater than that should be transferred to a wheeled bag instead.

If your child carries a backpack, be sure to choose one that is lightweight, with padded straps and reflective material, and that your child is carrying his or her backpack correctly:

• Wear both straps
• Wear in the middle of the back where the muscles are the strongest
• Do not allow the bag to drop below the waist
• Adjust straps to allow free movement of arms, as well as easy-on and easy-off

If your child is already suffering the consequences of carrying a heavy backpack, consult with your physical therapist to alleviate your child’s pain while developing healthy carrying habits. And remember – pick up your child’s backpack from time to time to see how heavy it is!

Are you in pain? Say NO to the drugs!! 🚫💊💉

“Just Say No,” isn’t just a public service slogan – it could actually end up saving your life. For years, physicians have prescribed pain-killers like oxy-codone, opiates and morphine for the routine treatment of pain. These dangerous drugs have sparked a health care crisis in the United States, with more than 72,000 individuals dead from overdose in 2017 alone.

Contrary to popular stigma – pain-killer addiction is not spurred by an individual’s need to get “high.” Instead, an individual’s brain reacts to the absence of the drug with ever-increasing pain signals, which require ever-higher doses of the drug to control. Soon, the body succumbs to a lethal dose – which not only stops the pain signals, it stops the heart and breathing as well.

Increasingly, physical therapy is being prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain – and it is working! Stories abound of addicts who have relinquished their drug addiction in favor of therapy to relieve pain. Research shows that “rest” is not always best – and that movement is often the best way back to what you love.

The best cure is always prevention – so seriously – “Just Say No!” In the first place!

Your Allied Physical Therapy team is always ready and waiting to assist you with your pain-management needs. Please call us today. We CAN and WILL help!

Questions?