CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Sept. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Castle Rock and Castle Pines chiropractor Dr. Chris Steiner is warning parents that over-weighted backpacks put a child's health at risk. With the start of the school year, Dr. Steiner is educating parents about the importance of backpack safety. Heavy packs can strain the back and create posture problems. The chiropractor is urging parents to choose backpacks that are made from lightweight material, have thick padded straps, and have a waist belt for added support. Children should always wear both straps to evenly distribute the weight. If possible, parents should choose backpacks with a handle and wheels.
Students heading back to school may be at risk for back pain and postural problems, warns the Castle Rock chiropractor of Steiner Chiropractic.
"Many students do not have access to lockers, so they carry heavy books on their backs all day," said Dr. Steiner. "Doing so is dangerous and can cause serious damage to a child's back. From postural problems to a compressed mid-spine, carrying heavy backpacks causes children chronic back pain."
Dr. Steiner says that he has seen an increased number of young children suffering from acute back and neck pain caused by heavy backpacks.
"Parents and teachers need to understand that over-weighted backpacks are a serious health risk," said Dr. Steiner. "If a school does not provide access to lockers, then parents and teachers need to take steps to reduce the weight of books being carried on a child's back."
Dr. Steiner recommends that parents select a backpack made from lightweight material, rather than heavy leather. Parents should also encourage their children to use the backpack's waist belt. This helps better distribute weight on the hips and prevents low back strain.
"Ergonomic shoulder straps and a waist belt can take the pressure off the lower back and better distribute it throughout the body," said Dr. Steiner. "Additionally, children should always use both straps. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may look cool, but doing so compresses the mid-back, causing postural problems, back strain and even neck pain."
Teachers can also help reduce a backpack's weight by allowing children to store heavy textbooks in a classroom if they are not needed for homework.
"There's no reason that a child should carry heavy books around all day if they are not using them," said Dr. Steiner. "If a child does not have access to lockers, then teachers can help by storing unneeded books in a classroom. Reducing the overall weight reduces the risk for low back pain."
Steiner Chiropractic provides family chiropractic care, as well as Castle Rock and Castle Pines back pain care.