Backpacks can cause neck pain
We are experiencing increased incidence of neck pain and chiropractic
care for children. Rarely do we think of neck pain as an issue for young
people; however, about this time of year school aged children and even college
students can awaken with upper back pain and stiffness in the neck. It is easy
to assume that this is caused by incorrect sleeping positions. Increasingly, the
cause of back or neck pain in our young people can be attributed to carrying
heavy backpacks or book bags.
Backpacks are designed so that the students are carrying the entire weight
of the backpack on the shoulders. The bulk of the weight in the backpack is distributed
on its bottom. This strains muscles, causing upper back and neck pain; and can eventually
cause long-term nerve damage if not addressed early on.
The spine and neck
The spine and neck of growing youths is very delicate. Of course, the
bones are continuously changing with nerves passing through vertebrae. Any
damage that is caused to the nerves from being compressed can be significant, depending
on how long children continue to carry the weight. The backpack of the typical
student can easily weight around 15 pounds. This puts these youngsters at risk
of getting nerves caught between the cervical vertebrae that run from the neck
across the shoulders and down the front of the arms.
Chiropractic care for neck pain
ChiroCarolina is your Charlotte chiropractor. Their trained doctors are passionate about relieving neck
and back pain by providing high quality chiropractic care for patients with
chronic or acute conditions. Call their office today to schedule an appointment
to learn more about neck pain and chiropractic care.
