A pilot study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (www.jvsr.com), suggests that chiropractic care may help adults suffering from concentration problems and attention deficit (ADD/ADHD).
The study was performed by Yannick Pauli, DC, director of the "Centre Wellness NeuroFit" in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Pauli is a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology.
"In this pilot study, we used objective outcome measures to evaluate attention in nine adult patients before and after two months of wellness chiropractic care. All patients experienced significant improvement in concentration and 88% normalized parts of the test," explained Dr. Pauli. "Although the results are preliminary and more research is needed, the outcome of the study suggests that patients suffering from attention deficit benefited from chiropractic care."
Research has shown that the ability to concentrate is affected in a number of disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injuries, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
In the United States, between 1-6 percent of adults and 3-10 percent of children suffer from ADHD. Problems with attention go far beyond the ability to concentrate. Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals suffering from ADHD suffer greater risks associated with daily living such as higher rates of car accidents, increased risk of substance abuse, greater risk of failing school, increased likelihood of divorce and even greater difficulty managing money.
According to Pauli, concentration problems affect all parts of our life and even possibly our ability to heal. Although most people think of attention as the ability to focus on the external world only, new health paradigms indicate that we can direct our attention inward as well. The clinical experience of Pauli and his colleagues suggests that our ability to heal is highly dependent upon the ability of our brain to pay attention to what is going in the body.
"Studies done with people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that those patients suffer when parts of their brain become deactivated, such as the prefrontal cortex, while others become hyperfunctioning," Pauli noted." Our hypothesis is that this leads to an inability for the brain to pay attention to the body's internal processes, resulting in decreased body awareness and decreased ability to access healing resources. Our study is part of a first attempt to document whether chiropractic care could be helpful to improve attention, and therefore all areas of life that are dependent upon this crucial cognitive function."
Usually, attention deficit is a clinical diagnosis. But to avoid potential subjectivity, Pauli used an objective measure of attention, called a continuous performance test. "It is a computer-based evaluation that objectively measures various parameters of attention" he explained. "This system is also used by some neurologists and psychiatrists to find the exact dosage of medication they are going to prescribe for attention deficit sufferers. Our preliminary results suggest that attention can be improved naturally with chiropractic."
The connection between attention, a process occurring in the brain, and chiropractic, which is generally associated with spinal health, is not readily obvious to most people. Yet, the research emphasizes the direct link between the spine and brain activity.
"As a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology, I understand that the spine is as much about neurology as it is about biomechanics" Pauli states.
The articulations and the muscles of the spine are rich in mechanoreceptors, which are sensors that send information to the nerve system. "Each time we work with the spine, we activate neurological circuits in the direction of the brain and bring the nerve system into balance," the researcher says.
Pauli also notes that chiropractors affect, in particular, a small part at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. Studies have shown that this structure is involved in attention. "Higher parts of the brain are also dependent upon the proper balance and function in the cerebellum," he elaborated. "If the cerebellum does not function at par, the rest of the brain becomes somewhat clumsy and by activating the spinal receptors and balancing the cerebellum, we help the brain function better."
According to Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, "this preliminary study is exciting. It is part of an increasing amount of research suggesting that chiropractic care may be an effective natural choice for people suffering from ADD/ADHD. It offers the possibility of a new option for millions of children and adults that are seeking to manage their conditions naturally."
The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research is a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-centered chiropractic research and is affiliated with the World Chiropractic Alliance, an international organization representing doctors of chiropractic and promoting the traditional, drug-free and wellness-oriented form of chiropractic.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Lotions Now Available to Chiropractic Patients
Vaso Active Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Vaso Active") (VAPH.ob) (http://www.vasoactive.us), distributor of uniquely formulated branded topical over-the-counter ("OTC") lotions for temporary relief from minor arthritis, muscle and joint pain, as well as treatment for athlete's foot, and Chiropractors Buying Group, Inc. (“CBG”) (http://www.cbgsave.com) announce a marketing agreement to make Vaso Active’s Osteon® and A/R Extreme® OTC topical lotions available through CBG’s network of chiropractors.
According to Stephen Cataldo, Director of Marketing for Vaso Active, “Vaso Active will not have to incur the slotting fees and marketing support costs normally associated with distribution through chain supermarkets. Distribution directly through chiropractic offices is a more cost effective and logical mix to our distribution strategy. The agreement with CBG is just one step in our plan to increase distribution directly through the professional community, including podiatrists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and others. Vaso Active has been aggressively seeking strategic alliances and promoting its products to the professional community through product sampling and other sales initiatives.”
Stephen Cataldo added “CBG, a well-known and respected Chiropractor Group Purchasing Organization targets product distribution directly to chiropractic offices and through H&H Wholesale Services, Inc. to more than 5,000 independent pharmacies. Vaso Active is very exited to be working with CBG. This arrangement is a great opportunity for Vaso Active to efficiently introduce its products and increase product awareness to expanded distribution channels, bringing its products within reach of more customers that are in need of pain relief. I have personally tried most of our competitor’s topical products that are being used in the industry and I believe that our products, with their unique delivery system, should find broad consumer acceptance as we continue to look for ways to expand. Our mission, here at Vaso Active, has always been to enhance the quality of life.”
As part of their services, CBG will be introducing these OTC products to professional chiropractic associations at industry trade events in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and New York. CBG also plans to make Osteon®, A/R Extreme® and Termin8® Athlete’s Foot Lotion available through its website (http://www.cbgsave.com).
David Kapla/Director of Sales and Marketing of CBG indicated, “CBG will distribute and restock samples, product coupons and informative pamphlets about wellness to nearly 200 chiropractic offices as part of its Patient Wellness Referral Program. Targeted states include Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. CBG is proud to have Vaso Active partnered with us to make a significant difference in the lives of CBG members patients by offering this high quality natural product line! Vaso Active topical lotions embrace a natural lifestyle and will be a significant addition to chiropractic care.”
About Vaso Active
Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, Vaso Active is an early stage company focused on commercializing, marketing and selling OTC pharmaceutical products, including Osteon®, A/R Extreme® and Termin8®, that incorporate the proprietary PENtoCORE® technology.
Proprietory PENtoCORE Technology Provides High Performance Results.
The PENtoCORE technology is a topical formulation that we believe allows for the formulation of OTC products with certain "use advantages" over similar products marketed by our competitors. "Use advantages" include characteristics such as less odor, less greasy feel and less residue with a more pleasant texture. Vaso Active licenses the PENtoCORE technology from its parent company, BioChemics, Inc. ("Biochemics") (http://www.biochemics.com).
According to Stephen Cataldo, Director of Marketing for Vaso Active, “Vaso Active will not have to incur the slotting fees and marketing support costs normally associated with distribution through chain supermarkets. Distribution directly through chiropractic offices is a more cost effective and logical mix to our distribution strategy. The agreement with CBG is just one step in our plan to increase distribution directly through the professional community, including podiatrists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and others. Vaso Active has been aggressively seeking strategic alliances and promoting its products to the professional community through product sampling and other sales initiatives.”
Stephen Cataldo added “CBG, a well-known and respected Chiropractor Group Purchasing Organization targets product distribution directly to chiropractic offices and through H&H Wholesale Services, Inc. to more than 5,000 independent pharmacies. Vaso Active is very exited to be working with CBG. This arrangement is a great opportunity for Vaso Active to efficiently introduce its products and increase product awareness to expanded distribution channels, bringing its products within reach of more customers that are in need of pain relief. I have personally tried most of our competitor’s topical products that are being used in the industry and I believe that our products, with their unique delivery system, should find broad consumer acceptance as we continue to look for ways to expand. Our mission, here at Vaso Active, has always been to enhance the quality of life.”
As part of their services, CBG will be introducing these OTC products to professional chiropractic associations at industry trade events in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and New York. CBG also plans to make Osteon®, A/R Extreme® and Termin8® Athlete’s Foot Lotion available through its website (http://www.cbgsave.com).
David Kapla/Director of Sales and Marketing of CBG indicated, “CBG will distribute and restock samples, product coupons and informative pamphlets about wellness to nearly 200 chiropractic offices as part of its Patient Wellness Referral Program. Targeted states include Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. CBG is proud to have Vaso Active partnered with us to make a significant difference in the lives of CBG members patients by offering this high quality natural product line! Vaso Active topical lotions embrace a natural lifestyle and will be a significant addition to chiropractic care.”
About Vaso Active
Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, Vaso Active is an early stage company focused on commercializing, marketing and selling OTC pharmaceutical products, including Osteon®, A/R Extreme® and Termin8®, that incorporate the proprietary PENtoCORE® technology.
Proprietory PENtoCORE Technology Provides High Performance Results.
The PENtoCORE technology is a topical formulation that we believe allows for the formulation of OTC products with certain "use advantages" over similar products marketed by our competitors. "Use advantages" include characteristics such as less odor, less greasy feel and less residue with a more pleasant texture. Vaso Active licenses the PENtoCORE technology from its parent company, BioChemics, Inc. ("Biochemics") (http://www.biochemics.com).
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Three free chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractor Declares "Health Freedom Week": Accepts All Cases Regardless of Physical Condition or Financial Ability to Pay
Dr. Tim Langley, a chiropractor in Cobb County, Georgia has declared “Health Freedom Week” from August 20-25 as part of ongoing efforts to introduce the public to the lifestyle of health without drugs and fear. During Health Freedom Week chiropractic exams, consultations and three chiropractic adjustments will be offered at no cost to the public.
Health Freedom Week is open to any individual (not currently under active chiropractic care) regardless of their physical condition or financial ability to pay. Health Freedom Week is the kickoff of a new campaign to reach families all over the northern Metro Atlanta area and to inform them of the true nature and value of chiropractic care. At a time when the lifespan of Americans is rated 41st in the world despite outspending the rest of the world on healthcare, it’s time someone let the public know that there is an alternative to our drug-based system of sick care.
While the Health Freedom Week promotion will last only one week, the program will be offered on an ongoing basis at a cost of $47 for the initial exam, consultation and first three visits. This is a way of taking the risk out of trying chiropractic care for either a specific health problem or for long-term wellness care. If after trying the program for one week and participating in a one-hour “Natural Health and Healing” workshop you don’t feel that the chiropractic approach is right for you, there is no further obligation for continued care or payment. This really puts the burden on the doctor to demonstrate the value of chiropractic care as well as his/her competence as a doctor of chiropractic.
Dr. Tim Langley is a chiropractor, economist and business consultant. He lives and practices in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Dr. Langley writes on issues that relate to health, business, personal development, economic development and politics.
Langley Chiropractic Office: www.langleychiropractic.com
Dr. Tim Langley, a chiropractor in Cobb County, Georgia has declared “Health Freedom Week” from August 20-25 as part of ongoing efforts to introduce the public to the lifestyle of health without drugs and fear. During Health Freedom Week chiropractic exams, consultations and three chiropractic adjustments will be offered at no cost to the public.
Health Freedom Week is open to any individual (not currently under active chiropractic care) regardless of their physical condition or financial ability to pay. Health Freedom Week is the kickoff of a new campaign to reach families all over the northern Metro Atlanta area and to inform them of the true nature and value of chiropractic care. At a time when the lifespan of Americans is rated 41st in the world despite outspending the rest of the world on healthcare, it’s time someone let the public know that there is an alternative to our drug-based system of sick care.
While the Health Freedom Week promotion will last only one week, the program will be offered on an ongoing basis at a cost of $47 for the initial exam, consultation and first three visits. This is a way of taking the risk out of trying chiropractic care for either a specific health problem or for long-term wellness care. If after trying the program for one week and participating in a one-hour “Natural Health and Healing” workshop you don’t feel that the chiropractic approach is right for you, there is no further obligation for continued care or payment. This really puts the burden on the doctor to demonstrate the value of chiropractic care as well as his/her competence as a doctor of chiropractic.
Dr. Tim Langley is a chiropractor, economist and business consultant. He lives and practices in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Dr. Langley writes on issues that relate to health, business, personal development, economic development and politics.
Langley Chiropractic Office: www.langleychiropractic.com
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Chiropractic and Autism
EVERY month, Susan Crisp takes her eight-year-old son, Daniel, for a 15-minute chiropractic treatment.
Daniel has autism and Susan and her husband, Gary, firmly believe that this complementary therapy has been key to the recent improvements they've seen in his development. "His communication has improved tremendously," says Susan. ..
Television presenter, Quentin Willson, has reported similar success from the treatment for his son, Max.
Indeed, it was after seeing Quentin talking about his son on TV two years ago that Susan first got the idea to try chiropractic for Daniel.
"It was a coincidence that I saw it. I had the TV on and it really caught my eye because there were so many similarities between what he was talking about with his son and Daniel," she remembers…
"We thought, `If nothing happens, that's the worst that can happen'.
"At the time, Daniel was walking on his tip-toes and his feet were pointing inwards when he walked - which can be symptoms of autism. I was worried about it and we thought that the chiropractic might be able to help with his posture."
Susan took Daniel to see chiropractor Doug Clark at Dynamic Chiropractic in Sale. Chiropractic is a complementary therapy used to treat problems with joints, bones and muscles and the effects these have on the nervous system.
This is done by a chiropractor, using their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments to joints, concentrating particularly on the spine, to improve the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.
Doug explains: "Daniel demonstrated quite striking spinal stiffness both in the left side of his lower back and his upper neck.
"From a chiropractic point of view, spinal movement problems, typically at the top of the neck, may contribute to distorted nerve function in the central nervous system.
Brain effects
"Typically, the left side of the upper neck communicates with the right side of the frontal brain and with the parts of the brain cortex that is involved with speech and language and co-ordination of movement.
"Whilst I treated Daniel's spine for mechanical problems, which we could be certain would benefit his health, we didn't know at this stage how his communication skills, speech and language might respond to treatment."
Initially, Daniel's treatment was once a week for the first month. This reduced to once a fortnight and now Daniel sees Doug once a month.
"Some parts of the treatment look uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt Daniel at all," says mum, Susan.
"He loves it. Usually when Daniel comes in from school, that's it, he's in and it's really hard to get him to go anywhere, but when I say we are going to see Doug he wants to go.
"Every time Doug has a little chat to ask how Daniel has been getting on. Then Daniel sits in the chair - we call it the Thunderbird chair, and Doug doesn't have to tell him anything now, he knows what to do.
No bother
"Doug manipulates Daniel's neck. This part looks uncomfortable but Daniel smiles and mimics the clicking sound his neck makes when he has it done.
"After this Daniel lies flat on his tummy and Doug manipulates his spine in different ways. He finishes the treatment by massaging the back of his neck.
"Daniel loves this but when I've tried to do it at home he won't let me do it, only Doug - they've built up a really lovely relationship.
"But it's not just a matter of Daniel enjoying it. Within four to six weeks we noticed a huge improvement in his condition.
"We took him in June and by August people who don't see him regularly commented that his speech had come on tremendously. He started to initiate sentences - it was a real surprise, to us."
Daniel continues to make excellent progress and is now speaking and engaging with people on a regular basis.
As well as his chiropractic treatment he receives educational help through a specialist school, which includes seeing a speech therapist twice a week…
To see complete article:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/health_and_beauty_feature/s/1013/1013378_alternative_cures_for_autism.html
Daniel has autism and Susan and her husband, Gary, firmly believe that this complementary therapy has been key to the recent improvements they've seen in his development. "His communication has improved tremendously," says Susan. ..
Television presenter, Quentin Willson, has reported similar success from the treatment for his son, Max.
Indeed, it was after seeing Quentin talking about his son on TV two years ago that Susan first got the idea to try chiropractic for Daniel.
"It was a coincidence that I saw it. I had the TV on and it really caught my eye because there were so many similarities between what he was talking about with his son and Daniel," she remembers…
"We thought, `If nothing happens, that's the worst that can happen'.
"At the time, Daniel was walking on his tip-toes and his feet were pointing inwards when he walked - which can be symptoms of autism. I was worried about it and we thought that the chiropractic might be able to help with his posture."
Susan took Daniel to see chiropractor Doug Clark at Dynamic Chiropractic in Sale. Chiropractic is a complementary therapy used to treat problems with joints, bones and muscles and the effects these have on the nervous system.
This is done by a chiropractor, using their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments to joints, concentrating particularly on the spine, to improve the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.
Doug explains: "Daniel demonstrated quite striking spinal stiffness both in the left side of his lower back and his upper neck.
"From a chiropractic point of view, spinal movement problems, typically at the top of the neck, may contribute to distorted nerve function in the central nervous system.
Brain effects
"Typically, the left side of the upper neck communicates with the right side of the frontal brain and with the parts of the brain cortex that is involved with speech and language and co-ordination of movement.
"Whilst I treated Daniel's spine for mechanical problems, which we could be certain would benefit his health, we didn't know at this stage how his communication skills, speech and language might respond to treatment."
Initially, Daniel's treatment was once a week for the first month. This reduced to once a fortnight and now Daniel sees Doug once a month.
"Some parts of the treatment look uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt Daniel at all," says mum, Susan.
"He loves it. Usually when Daniel comes in from school, that's it, he's in and it's really hard to get him to go anywhere, but when I say we are going to see Doug he wants to go.
"Every time Doug has a little chat to ask how Daniel has been getting on. Then Daniel sits in the chair - we call it the Thunderbird chair, and Doug doesn't have to tell him anything now, he knows what to do.
No bother
"Doug manipulates Daniel's neck. This part looks uncomfortable but Daniel smiles and mimics the clicking sound his neck makes when he has it done.
"After this Daniel lies flat on his tummy and Doug manipulates his spine in different ways. He finishes the treatment by massaging the back of his neck.
"Daniel loves this but when I've tried to do it at home he won't let me do it, only Doug - they've built up a really lovely relationship.
"But it's not just a matter of Daniel enjoying it. Within four to six weeks we noticed a huge improvement in his condition.
"We took him in June and by August people who don't see him regularly commented that his speech had come on tremendously. He started to initiate sentences - it was a real surprise, to us."
Daniel continues to make excellent progress and is now speaking and engaging with people on a regular basis.
As well as his chiropractic treatment he receives educational help through a specialist school, which includes seeing a speech therapist twice a week…
To see complete article:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/health_and_beauty_feature/s/1013/1013378_alternative_cures_for_autism.html
ACOM's RAPID EMR
The board of directors of the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) has elevated the status of ACOM's RAPID EMR clinical documentation and reporting solution to that of a "Recommended" solution within the FCA Membership Benefit Program. RAPID EMR is the only http://www.acomemr.com/rapid-emr.html chiropractic documentation and reporting solution to be included in the FCA Membership Benefit Program at this time and one of only eight products overall to be so designated by the association.
RAPID EMR has been a "Recognized" product in the FCA program since early 2006, and it has earned a high degree of acceptance among association members. The FCA is the largest state chiropractic association in the country, with more than 4,000 members.
RAPID EMR is an extensively featured solution that supports chiropractors in the diagnosis and documentation of problems and treatments, building electronic patient files in a sophisticated, intelligent database. Custom reports, typically a drawn-out process involving extensive analysis of notes, dictation and transcription, can be accomplished in minutes with the press of a few computer keys, with reports assembled and generated automatically directly from the electronic patient file.
RAPID EMR has been a "Recognized" product in the FCA program since early 2006, and it has earned a high degree of acceptance among association members. The FCA is the largest state chiropractic association in the country, with more than 4,000 members.
RAPID EMR is an extensively featured solution that supports chiropractors in the diagnosis and documentation of problems and treatments, building electronic patient files in a sophisticated, intelligent database. Custom reports, typically a drawn-out process involving extensive analysis of notes, dictation and transcription, can be accomplished in minutes with the press of a few computer keys, with reports assembled and generated automatically directly from the electronic patient file.
Missed Appointments
Dr. Michael Lagana, Director of BackSmart Wellness Center in New Jersey, has first-hand experience of no-show damage caused to a busy chiropractic office. "Missed appointments are the first signs of eroding patient loyalty and potential patient relationship management problems. Billing Precision's integrated automated solution protects billing revenue in a disciplined fashion and at significantly lower cost," says Dr. Lagana.
"When patients miss appointments, they interrupt the flow of care, impede clinic productivity, and reduce billing and revenue. Appointment reminders or confirmation calls for upcoming appointments and follow up calls (recalls) on recent no-shows reduce numbers of no-shows more effectively than any other strategy," says Dr. Lagana.
"When patients miss appointments, they interrupt the flow of care, impede clinic productivity, and reduce billing and revenue. Appointment reminders or confirmation calls for upcoming appointments and follow up calls (recalls) on recent no-shows reduce numbers of no-shows more effectively than any other strategy," says Dr. Lagana.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Protect Your Child’s Back at Back-to-School Time
California Chiropractic Association Alerts Parents to Injuries Caused by Backpacks
With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, the California Chiropractic Association today issued its “Backpack Safety Checklist” to help parents of school-aged children know what to look for and how to avoid back injuries as they select backpacks for the coming year.
“Childhood injuries from backpacks can be avoided by following a few simple, preventive measures,” said Dr. William Updyke, DC, president of CCA. “If parents take the time to choose the right pack and teach their children how to wear it correctly, it will go a long way toward preventing the injuries in the first place.”
A study of 3,498 California students in 2004 found back pain to be highly prevalent, severe and chronic. The study also found a link between backpack weight and back pain.
A loaded backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the child’s weight. However, as many as 55 percent of today’s students carry loads in excess of the recommended limit. The backpack problem is made worse by the fact that so many of today’s children are obese. Not only are they obese, they are also out of shape, making it hard for them to support any extra weight on their backs.
Often the harm caused by backpacks can occur without obvious symptoms.
“Young people may be experiencing only mild symptoms now, but it is likely a precursor to problems like chronic back pain and spine degeneration later in life,” Dr. Updyke said. “Doctors of chiropractic are sounding the alarm about kids’ backpacks because of our expertise in dealing with this type of injury. Parents must be aware of the potential long-term harm caused by backpacks, and help their children take preventive steps now.”
The California Chiropractic Association recommends the following checklist to help prevent backpack injuries.
BACKPACK SAFETY CHECKLIST
When choosing a backpack, look for:
Padded shoulder straps
Padded back
Lumbar support
A waist belt
Multiple compartments
Correct size
How to pack:
Loaded backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of the child's body weight
Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the back
How to wear:
Wear both shoulder straps
Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
Use the stabilizing waist strap
Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
A Guide to Maximum Backpack Weight for Children
Child's weight
Recommended backpack weight when loaded
50 lbs. 7.5 lbs.
80 lbs. 12 lbs.
100 lbs. 15 lbs.
130 lbs. 19.5 lbs.
With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, the California Chiropractic Association today issued its “Backpack Safety Checklist” to help parents of school-aged children know what to look for and how to avoid back injuries as they select backpacks for the coming year.
“Childhood injuries from backpacks can be avoided by following a few simple, preventive measures,” said Dr. William Updyke, DC, president of CCA. “If parents take the time to choose the right pack and teach their children how to wear it correctly, it will go a long way toward preventing the injuries in the first place.”
A study of 3,498 California students in 2004 found back pain to be highly prevalent, severe and chronic. The study also found a link between backpack weight and back pain.
A loaded backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the child’s weight. However, as many as 55 percent of today’s students carry loads in excess of the recommended limit. The backpack problem is made worse by the fact that so many of today’s children are obese. Not only are they obese, they are also out of shape, making it hard for them to support any extra weight on their backs.
Often the harm caused by backpacks can occur without obvious symptoms.
“Young people may be experiencing only mild symptoms now, but it is likely a precursor to problems like chronic back pain and spine degeneration later in life,” Dr. Updyke said. “Doctors of chiropractic are sounding the alarm about kids’ backpacks because of our expertise in dealing with this type of injury. Parents must be aware of the potential long-term harm caused by backpacks, and help their children take preventive steps now.”
The California Chiropractic Association recommends the following checklist to help prevent backpack injuries.
BACKPACK SAFETY CHECKLIST
When choosing a backpack, look for:
Padded shoulder straps
Padded back
Lumbar support
A waist belt
Multiple compartments
Correct size
How to pack:
Loaded backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of the child's body weight
Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the back
How to wear:
Wear both shoulder straps
Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
Use the stabilizing waist strap
Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
A Guide to Maximum Backpack Weight for Children
Child's weight
Recommended backpack weight when loaded
50 lbs. 7.5 lbs.
80 lbs. 12 lbs.
100 lbs. 15 lbs.
130 lbs. 19.5 lbs.
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