Back Packs

No Big Deal . . . . . Think Again !

Close to half of all British school age children may suffer from a spinal disorder, according to Spinal Specialist, Dr Christian Farthing. Dr Farthing said these disorders were the result of sports injuries or incorrect posture while watching television and studying. “And these problems are further aggravated by the way children carry their school bags” A study of 1178 children published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine showed that 68.6% of children who used hand held bags reported back pain.

When backpacks were carried over one shoulder, 53.7% of children reported pain. “The figure was significantly lower with children who correctly wore backpacks, positioned on the upper back with the straps over both shoulders,” he said “Only 45% of them reported pain.” “So by changing from a hand held bag to a good quality backpack, correctly worn over both shoulders, the incidence of back pain can be decreased by 23%,” Dr Farthing said. “Spinal damage is a serious problem parents need to be aware of. Especially when it is increasingly apparent that many
of the spinal disorders suffered by adults are the outcomes of an accumulation of factors beginning in childhood.” “And with an estimated 80% of adults suffering at least once in their life with low back pain for two weeks or more, the significance of correct posture and spinal care can’t be underestimated.”

Dr Farthing commented that parents could minimize the problems by choosing the appropriate school bag and educating their children about the importance of good posture. “Children must be shown how to correctly wear their backpacks and taught to be conscious of their posture while studying and watching television.”

“Interestingly, the Scandinavian studyalso showed that children whowatched television for extended periods were more likely to experience back pain. 59.3% of children watching between one to two hours of television per dayexperience back pain, with thisfigure escalating to 68.8% when the viewing time increased to more than two hours each day.” The key is prevention. If your child has complained of back pain, have them booked in for a spinal check up. Just as you would look after their teeth, take care of their spine.

DID YOU KNOW? There has been over a 300% increase in backpack injuries among kids since 1996. (Spine 2003; 28(9):922-930). In addition, a recent scientific experiment found that carrying a backpack alters the mobility of spinal bones, leading to restricted movement - a risk factor for back pain (Surg Radiol Anat 1999; 21:109-113).

Another study used MRI and discovered that backpacks alter the fluid content of the discs (cushions between the bones of the spine). This is a risk factor for disc herniation ("slipped disc") and osteoarthritis (Spine

1999; 15; 24:1015-22). Dr Farthing said, "Carrying bags over one shoulder may be a large contributing factor toward scoliosis and other spinal damage early in childhood". Spinal specialists are experts in spinal biomechanics and backpack safety techniques. Spinal specialists offer spinal checkups for youngsters.

These checkups include a thorough postural assessment, evaluation for vertebral subluxations and specific recommendations for injury prevention. Spinal problems can be prevented if discovered early. Don't let your child be a statistic!

The Ideal Spine Centre specialises in the detection of spinal problems, and then, correcting them - not just patching up the problem. Dr Farthing recommends a routine preventative checkup for all children. This will minimize any potential problems in the future.

Schedule a spinal checkup for your youngster today before you go and buy them a new backpack for school. Close to half of all British school age children may suffer from a spinal disorder, according to Spinal Specialist, Dr Christian Farthing. Dr Farthing said these disorders were the result of sports injuries or incorrect posture while watching television and studying. "And these problems are further aggravated by the way children carry their school bags"

A study of 1178 children published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine showed that 68.6% of children who used hand held bags reported back pain. When backpacks were carried over one shoulder, 53.7% of children reported pain. "The figure was significantly lower with children who correctly wore backpacks, positioned on the upper back with the straps over both shoulders," he said "Only 45% of them reported pain."

"So by changing from a hand held bag to a good quality backpack, correctly worn over both shoulders, the incidence of back pain can be decreased by 23%," Dr Farthing said. "Spinal damage is a serious problem parents need to be aware of. Especially when it is increasingly apparent that many of the spinal disorders suffered by adults are the outcomes of an accumulation of factors beginning in childhood." "And with an estimated 80% of adults suffering at least once in their life with low back pain for two weeks or more, the significance of correct posture and spinal care can't be underestimated.

" Dr Farthing commented that parents could minimize the problems by choosing the appropriate school bag and educating their children about the importance of good posture. "Children must be shown how to correctly wear their backpacks and taught to be conscious of their posture while studying and watching television."

"Interestingly, the Scandinavian study also showed that children who watched television for extended periods were more likely to experience back pain. 59.3% of children watching between one to two hours of television per day experience back pain, with this figure escalating to 68.8% when the viewing time increased to more than two hours each day." The key is prevention. If your child has complained of back pain, have them booked in for a spinal check up. Just as you would look after their teeth, take care of their spine.

IF THE TWIG IS BENT,

SO GROWS THE TREE