Dr. Rathburn's Blog

It's back to school time and to make sure my younger patients are protecting their skeletons, here are a few lines about how to choose backpacks.  These guidelines will help protect our children's skeletons:

1.  MAKE SURE THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE BACKPACK DOESN'T EXCEED 10% OF YOUR CHILD'S WEIGHT!!  This is the most important rule to follow.  So for a 100 pound child, their backpack weight shouldn't exceed 10 pounds, a 50 pound child's backpack shouldn't weigh more than 5 pounds.  A heavier backpack causes the child to bend forward to help distribute the extra weight on their back rather than on their shoulders by the straps.

2.  The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline.  A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.  

3. A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively.  Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back. 

4. Bigger isn't better!  The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry - and the heavier the backpack will be.

5.  Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps!!  Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.

6.  Wide, padded straps are very important.  Non-padded slender straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.   

7.  Buy a backpack with adjustable shoulder straps so that it will fit your child properly.  Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain. 

8.  If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher.  Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.  Better yet, ask if the heavier books are available on CD! 

9.  Rollerpacks (backpacks on wheels) have become very popular in recent years.  Only use these with children who are not physically able to carry a backpack.  Most school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls. 

If your child complains of back pain during backpack use, apply the guidelines above.  If it persists, seek care from a chiropractor! 

Happy July 4th!  I approach Independence Day with the knowledge that our forefathers and mothers created a nation independent of thought and deed that even with our collective faults doesn't reach the magnitude of the triumphs we have accomplished.  As we acknowledge our brothers and sisters in Iran and Afghanistan fighting for these same freedoms, we also acknowledge our hard fought battles that kept us free.

 This is so true for our freedom of healthcare diversity.  Healthcare reform, if we are not diligent and assertive, may suppress this freedom limiting those seeking chiropractic services.  If we are dependent on medical models of disease care, chiropractors may be placed in a supportive role far from the primary care role chiropractic holds today.  We must be diligent to the news and keep in touch with our state and federal representatives to make sure freedom of healthcare is maintained.  Freedom of healthcare services and chiropractic is my thought for this Independence Day.  Be sure to sign on to www.chirovoice.com.  Using this chiropractic site, patients and doctors can monitor the healthcare debate, the outcomes and possibly influence both by voicing their opinions, feelings and testimony.  This is one way to mobilize and be active as a group.   

I also see our need to educate our friends and families as a mission and obligation.  Whether time is spent providing information, answering questions, or by bringing someone to healthcare class, it is time well spent and spreading the helpful nature of chiropractic healthcare. 

Enjoy this July 4th, and if you know a military man, active or veteran, shake their hand and tell them "Thanks".