CHICAGO (NewsNation) CHICAGO (NewsNation) The weight of backpacks and electronics put more strain on the backs and necks of kids, which can lead to posture problems that are an issue for a lot of healthcare specialists.
Over 90 percent of children in the U.S. have backpacks that are too heavy according to the findings of an MRI study. Children can carry up to 22 percent the weight of their bodies in backpacks. According to the American Chiropractic Association recommends a minimum of 10 percent.
What are the ways backpacks for kids create back discomfort?
Dr. Mohamed Shalabi, aka Dr. Mohamed Shalabi, aka. Chicago Cracks, said backpacks are now an “huge issue” in the lives of kids because they’re extremely heavy and children use them incorrectly.
“They carry the weight on one shoulder, and it can result in some uneven shoulder which can cause problems in the future. It could also affect in the spine,” he explained. “They carry them when they’re heavy and leaning towards the front. This puts an enormous strain on neck muscles and fatigue which will cause problems in the future. Additionally, the cause of back discomfort could be headaches with numbness, tingling and pain on the fingers.”
Dr. Chad Domangue, an interventional neurologist and specialist in pain management Dr. Chad Domangue, an interventional neurologist and pain management specialist, explained the alignment. He said that as the backpack’s weight pulls backwards, children are advancing toward the forward direction.
“The problem isn’t just muscles, it’s actually an issue with the facet joint. The joints are moved in an unusual direction, which means that the alignment is not right,” he explained.
Domangue said he was in agreement in Shalabi in that aligning is an issue, and If it’s not corrected, as a matter of prevention children will end up having specialists just like Shalabi throughout their lives.
“I can assure you that from our perspective, if you’re suffering from a problem with your spine there are many options that aren’t always optimal,” he said. “It’s extremely difficult to help someone get back to their normal align and spinal well-being.”
What’s the best method to hold electronic devices?
Children also suffer with neck and back issues due to the time they spend using electronic devices. The problem has been called “text neck” and its long-term consequences on the physical development and growth are still unknown.
“I strongly suggest for children to keep their shoulders straight as well as the neck straight. When you are holding the phone or tablet ensure that you keep it straight and not hold it for an extended period duration,” Shalabi said. “When you look at your spine it should be able to see the neck bending back. What happens when you gaze at your tablet or look forward and the neck is bent forward, putting lots of pressure on nerves and strain on back. back.”
Shalabi stated that Shalabi “highly would recommend” parents invest in an inflatable foam roller, and let their children get on it, place it down on their floor and roll it back to relieve the discomfort.
Shalabi’s last message to parentswas “Watch your children’s posture and make them sit straight, keep their shoulders, and back aligned.”
What is the minimum age at which an infant visit the chiropractor?
Shalabi stated, “You can never be too old to make an adaptation.”
“I changed my children when their births. It’s entirely up to the parents, and generally, they take their children in for preventative care to ensure they don’t face issues in the future,” he said.
While Shalabi believes that you should start receiving chiropractic adjustments right after birth Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez who is an pediatric physician in the Columbia University Irving Medical Center isn’t recommending that babies to undergo them.
“There is no reason why to alter the spine which is still growing,” she said. “The problem is that we’re not dealing with the root of the issue. If your children are carrying heavy backpacks, you’re likely to set the stage for problems regardless of how you deal with it.”
She suggested that children should go to visit a professional with many years of experience to tackle both the impact of a weight of the backpack as well as any root problems.
“I would like to see a pediatrician who is aware of the weighty backpacks however, I also want a pediatrician who’s seen the extremely rare condition that must be recognized. I’m not talking about, God forbid, tumors. I’m referring to other anomalies,” Bracho-Sanchez explained.
We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.