Don’t put your back into it

Chiro One Wellness Centers of Flossmoor supports September as Backpack Safety Month. Dr. Jeremy Hayes advises everyone especially the forty million teens who carry backpacks to school to carry no more than ten to fifteen percent of their body weight in backpacks. Avoid back pain and back injury by following these suggestions:

Organize. Pack heavier items closest to the back. Pack items in compartments so the weight is evenly distributed.

Select packs with heavily padded shoulder straps and lumbar support.

Use both shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly across the back unless it is a one-shoulder pack.

Tighten the straps to keep the backpack close to the body. Make sure the backpack does not extend below the lower back.

Squat down, bending at the knees, not at the waist, when lifting or lowering a heavy backpack.

Carry only what’s needed.

Chiropractic Care Can Help...
If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.

Dr. Jeremy Hayes serves as Clinic Director of Chiro One Wellness Centers of Flossmoor located at 3486 W. Vollmer Rd. Olympia Fields, IL. For more information, visit www.ChiroOne.net or contact Dr. Jeremy at (708) 481-5444.