School is back and it is time to start lugging around those heavy book bags again. Did you know that the excessive weight of textbooks and school supplies can cause your child or you to have a spinal injury or a vertebral subluxation. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the spinal column, which then causes irritation to the nervous system. If you or your child is going to carry a book bag make sure that you carry it over both shoulders or one that has wheels. Carrying it over one shoulder puts all the weight on one side of your body. Also, if you are carrying it over both shoulders make sure you do not wear it too low, so it does not put majority of weight on your neck and spine. If you or your child continues doing these bad habits it could eventually lead to headaches, dizziness, and severe back and neck pain. If your child or you are experiencing any of the following systems a chiropractor can help. We specialize in headaches, neck pain, and back pain. Here at Wirth Chiropractic we can help you or your child get back on the right track.
Tips for carrying a book bag:
-No more than 10% of your body weight
-Heaviest items closest to your spine
-Use a book bag that has wheels if you can
-Use both straps
-Make sure the straps are fit snug to your back
-The bottom of the book bag should rest in the curve of the lower back
