Only two weeks in and already their backpacks are overflowing with flyers, papers, and homework. They are young, their bodies can handle it, can't they? Unforunately, no carrying anything greater than 10% of their body weight puts them at an increased risk of neck and back problems.
The reason: Our body is designed to carry weight in certain areas far better than others. It's why, for instance, when we put on a significant amount of weight, that weight is added to the front of the body (ie: a belly) The reason is that our spine is able to accommodate to this increased weight "hanging" from the front portion of our bodies. One thing our spine and body is not able to do well is to adapt and accommodate to weight hanging off the back of the body. It leads to muscles imbalances in the neck to joint dysfunction in the back.
I understand, there are some days that your child simply must carry a heavy backpack however please be sure to remove anything that your child might not need for that particular day.
If you're noticing your child complaining of neck/shoulder or back pain, please contact the office!
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