Be good to your back now - it will thank you later!
With students back in school and adults working and traveling, it’s time to take care of our backs when carrying backpacks, luggage, purses and briefcases.
When packing a backpack, the total weight should not exceed 10% of the child’s body weight. The backpack should be worn across both shoulders and the height should extend two inches below the shoulder blades resting at or slightly above the waist. This is very important to stress to children and teens since each year, thousands of emergency room and doctor appointments are due to back pain or injuries from improper backpack use.
Backpacks are not the only culprits. Purses and shoulder briefcases can cause similar injuries. Carrying these items when too heavy or with uneven weight distribution across the back may cause neck, shoulder and lower back pain. These issues are due to restricted blood flow to nerves and muscles, resulting in feelings of “pins and needles,” tingling, stiffness, numbness or tightness. To prevent this, avoid thin or long straps, switch positions frequently, place the strap diagonally across the opposite shoulder and avoid overloading the bag. A briefcase with a padded strap and wheels is ideal.
Finally, be careful with suitcases. Choose a suitcase with extending, padded handles and wheels that swivel to allow easier movement. Look for handles on both ends of luggage for safe lifting.
Remember, if you treat your back well now, it will help to prevent issues in the future.
Parish Nurse, Catholic Church of St. Ann
Photo by Omar Roque on Unsplash
Comments
Post a Comment