Backpack Tips For Back to School
Is the Backpack the Correct Size for Your Child?
The backpack should not hang more than 3-4 inches below the child’s waistline. The lower it hangs, the more weight is placed on the shoulders. If your child leans forward when walking, the backpack is too low. It should also never be wider or longer than your child’s torso.
Are the Shoulder Straps Adjustable?
Children grow very quickly, and their bodies are unique. Adjustable straps allow you to adjust the backpack to fit your child’s body. Too loose straps can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain when the child attempts to correct this by leaning forward.
Does the Backpack Have Wide, Padded Shoulder Straps?
Non-padded, thin straps will be uncomfortable and can dig into your child’s shoulders, causing pain. Wide and padded straps give extra support and comfort, ensuring a more even weight distribution. If your child complains of shoulder pain, it could be caused by the backpack’s style and the thickness of the straps.
Does the Backpack Have a Padded Back?
From binders to rulers to loose pens, all of these items can become irritating or painful to your child’s back if there is no padding. In addition, a padded back provides more structure for loose items to fall evenly into the bag, preventing uneven weight distribution.
Does the Backpack Have Several Compartments?
Many backpacks have individualized compartments, such as laptop holders, to help position the contents effectively. It’s essential to ensure pointy objects or bulky objects are away from the child’s back so they don’t lean against them and cause injury. Compartments also make it easier for children to maintain an organized bag.
Does your Child Need to Bring Everything Home?
It’s important to discuss with your child’s teacher what can be left at school or home to prevent carrying around unnecessary items. Ask to leave the heaviest books and electronic items, such as laptop computers, at school and bring home only lighter materials. What is their policy about bringing home musical instruments? If your child requires a laptop, work with the teacher to see if the child can use a home computer or if there is a way to print out materials and bring them home separately.
While children are resilient, and many generations have survived having oversized backpacks, it is crucial to ensure our children get the safest start to the school experience. After all, they could be carrying backpacks for upwards of 20 years! Let’s get them off to a great start!
Making Sense of the Many Types of Headaches
Most people experience a difficult bout of headaches at some point during their life. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably struggled with at least the occasional headache. But did you know that there are several different types of them, each with their own causes and unique symptoms?
The most common include cervicogenic, tension, sinus, and migraines. Read on to learn more about the various types of headaches!
The Basics of Cervicogenic Headaches
Does your head pain seem to originate from your neck? If so, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing a cervicogenic headache. When you move your neck, you’ll likely feel quite a bit of tension there. These forms of headaches can happen when your head and neck remain fixed in a single position for some time, such as when you’re sitting for a while and working at your desk, staring at a computer.
The main symptoms involved in a cervicogenic headache include
- Pain on one side of your head
- Facial or eye pain
- A steady form of discomfort
- Worsening pain when you take a deep breath, sneeze or cough
- Pain that lasts for hours or days
- A stiff neck
Tension Headaches
Have you ever felt a headache that made it seem like there was a tight band wrapped around your head? That’s the most common symptom of a tension headache. The pain may be mild to moderate.
The signs that you’re experiencing a tension headache include
- A head pain that feels dull and achy
- A sensation of pressure or tightness around your head
- Sensitivity in your shoulders, neck and scalp
A Pain in the Sinuses
You know the feeling when you’re sick and congested: there’s a pounding pain around your eyes, on your forehead and in your cheeks. In fact, your entire head is throbbing! You don’t necessarily have to be sick with a cold, however, to experience a sinus headache.
The symptoms of a sinus headache include
- A sensation of pressure or fullness in the brow, cheeks or forehead
- Pain that worsens when you bend down or lie down
- A stuffy nose
- An aching feeling in your upper teeth
- Fatigue
Myriads of Migraine Types
Though other headaches are no cakewalk, migraines can be thought of as some of the worst. That’s because they’re commonly accompanied by extreme sensitivity to sound and light, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. If you get a migraine, the pain may last for up to several days, and you are likely unable to complete your daily activities.
Migraines can come with some warning signs. For example, you may see an aura, or a visual disturbance. The aura might be a blind spot or flashes of light. Many report feeling a tingling sensation in their arm, leg or one side of their face before a migraine comes on.
Chiropractic can be a highly effective way to help with many types of headaches. Chiropractors are well-known for their ability to treat headaches, whether they originate from your head, neck or the rest of your spine. They can provide assistance with your posture and ergonomics, making sure that you are set up in the best possible way to avoid any type of headache.
