Preventing Backpack-Related Back & Shoulder Pain
Carrying heavy or excess weight in a backpack every day can contribute to wear and tear of the joints, ligaments, and muscles across the shoulders, back, and hips. Your body has to work harder to compensate for the extra weight, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. At Total Care Injury & Pain Centers, our experienced family chiropractors can offer tips for all ages on backpack weight safety in Donaldsonville, LA.
Choose the Right Backpack
The first step you can take towards backpack weight safety this back to school season is to make sure that the backpack is appropriate for the size of the person using it, whether that’s you or your child. Make sure that the backpack has:
- Two wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- A padded back
- A waist strap
Depending on the size and weight of the load that will be carried every day and the age and physical fitness of the person using the backpack, you might also consider choosing a backpack that has rollers or wheels attached.
Wear the Backpack Properly
The next step our family chiropractors recommend to prevent backpack-related back pain is to wear the backpack properly. Our backpack weight safety tips recommend that you or your child:
- Always use both shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly across the back
- Adjust the straps as needed to keep the back of the backpack flat against your back
- Keep heavier items low and towards the center of the backpack
- Pack light and remove items that are no longer needed
- Lift the backpack properly by bending at the knees rather than the waist
- Use an alternative bag like a crossbody bag or rolling bag if you are experiencing back or shoulder pain, stiffness, or loss of flexibility
Watch for Signs of Backpack-Related Injury
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a backpack-related injury so you can protect yourself or your child from chronic pain:
- Acute or recurring neck, shoulder, back, or hip pain
- Stiffness or loss of flexibility in the shoulders or back
- Numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the arms or legs
- Shooting pain or muscle cramps or spasms in the back, shoulders, or neck
Seek Chiropractic Care When Needed
If you develop any of the above-mentioned backpack-related problems, visit our family chiropractors for chiropractic care. We can assess your symptoms and overall health, evaluate your balance and posture, and guide you through our backpack weight safety tips.
Make an Appointment With Our Chiropractors in Donaldsonville, LA
At Total Care Injury & Pain Centers, we have convenient locations that offer chiropractic care across Louisiana, including Donaldsonville, Gonzales, Plaquemine, Baton Rouge, and Port Allen. Our experienced, compassionate family chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases of the spine and muscles. We specialize in chiropractic care, massage therapy, spinal decompression, and treating sports, work, and auto injuries. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Posted In:
Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
