How do you know if your child's backpack is safe?

How do you know if your child’s backpack is safe?

August 29/2018 By OCC Staff

As you all know, back to school is just around the corner! For all of you parents who are sending off your little ones to JK for the first time, don’t worry, they will be just fine! While it may be a sensitive time for some parents, others are jumping for joy.

As we prepare for back to school with new clothes and school supplies, it is important that parents and students understand the implications of their apparel, specifically BACKPACK SAFETY!

Did you know that in 2012, there were more than 24,000 people treated for backpack-related injuries? Of those patients, more than 9,500 were between the ages 5-18 (according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Here are some interesting stats about backpack carriers:

Of the students aged 12-17 that carry backpacks, 60% of them are carrying bags that weight 10% more of their body weight.
Of the students aged 12-17 that carry backpacks, 20% of them are carrying bags that weight 15% of their body weight.

Backpacks can have a huge influence on the growth and forming of our spine and of course, posture. It may sound like a funny topic to some people, but these injuries could follow you into your adult life as a chronic and degenerative. With that said, these are issues you want to address now so they aren’t there to drag you down later in life.

Backpack tips:

Limit backpack weight and balance weight proportionally
Select a backpack with wider shoulders straps which will help disperse weight
Always use both shoulder straps to even out the load
To put less stress on the spine, ensure heavier items are placed closest to the lower back in the pack
Consider the size of the backpack (bigger is not always better)

All in all, when you send your kid/kids off to school this year, if you notice that they are leaning their head forward to compensate the weight in the bag, this should tell you that you need to revisit what is in your children’s bag!

If you have any further questions or concerns call our office our Chiropractor Dr. Brian Huggins will be happy to do hands on evaluation at 905-845-2291 or email us at info@oakvillechiropractic.com.

To learn more about backpack safety and tips, check out the below infographic found below:

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Mike Manol

01:31 08 Mar 22

I first made the mistake of going to see Brian on the 28th of February. I went in with lower back pain after hurting my back at work. The first appointment consisted of Brian rushing me through an "initial inspection", telling me he felt my neck was tight, along with doing some manipulation of my spine which has left me with pain over a week later. He did not address my lower back pain once. Over the next two days i started developing severe pain in my neck, which I have never felt before. Two days later I came back in for another appointment after xrays and he told me my neck was out of alignment and if I just stuck to his plan he would fix my neck. He still has not addressed the issue I came in for. I asked him if the neck pain was normal and he gave me the incredibly professional answer of "probably". After asking for a plan to address my now neck and back pain he failed to come up with one, just saying if i keep coming back he will fix it it. It seems he does not care about the well being of his clients, he just wants their money. In summary, I went in to see Brian with lower back pain, did not get that issue addressed once, and left with lower back pain and severe neck pain now. Would not advise anyone go to this man to get anything done.

Alf D

07:05 03 Sep 21

Great place. Doctor Higgins is someone I would visit again. Satisfied.

Medelene Ilagan

15:35 28 Jul 21

Nice..i love my chiropractor. Doctor higgins.

Brent Hogenbirk

18:25 12 Jul 21

Their prices are starting to creep up there, but still a great place to go. When I first went there, I wasn't sure what to think. You don't get the satisfying crunch or pop that you get from a normal chiro appt. They use what's called an activator. It's clicked along the spine in certain spots to align your spine. I really feel that this practice does a great gob at keeping my spine healthy. I would like to try gonstead once to feel the difference though.

Darryl Groeneveld

22:17 27 Feb 21

I know someone who works at this clinic so I felt comfortable going somewhere where I know who's there. With Covid protocols they have, there's no worries. Easily accessible and Dr. Huggins is great to work with. Explains things clearly and is open and great to deal with.

Anshul Agrawal

15:33 05 Feb 21

Dr. Huggins is great. He is knowledgable, makes me feel comfortable, and very jovial. The staff is excellent as well. Appointments are readily available and there is very little wait time once you get to the clinic.

Travis Hill

14:06 12 Sep 20

I am extremely grateful for the services provided to me here. My neck and back are now fully aligned, I was in the hands of a real professional. God bless

Jacob Hanna

14:04 26 Aug 20

I got a package that gives me 3 spinal decompression and 3 adjustments, he spent no more then 3 minutes with the adjustment, using a machine for 90% of the time, i guess they use machines for adjustments now ?

Sohail Mansoor

01:27 05 Aug 20

I was recommended to Dr Huggins a few months ago - and I can honestly say it's changed my life. I suffered from back/neck/shoulder pain and after a thorough initial assessment, a few treatments and some recommended at-home exercises, I feel soooo much better. I was initially skeptical about seeing a chiropractor but I'm glad I finally gave in. It's even worth the drive from Toronto to Oakville!!

Saurabh Dixit

22:53 14 Jul 20

Dr. Brian Huggins has vast experience in the Chiro practice and it shows immediately. He was able to judge the trouble points easily, explained them in simple language and his treatment brings results from first session itself.He was able to provide relief from cluster headache within minutes, and other pain area also improved soon.I would highly recommend him.

Lady T

18:18 21 May 20

I would not trust anyone else with my chronic back issues. I drive 50 minutes one way to get there. Entire staff is professional and polite.

Anita Purohit

00:39 07 Feb 20

I have been seeing Dr. Huggins also known as Dr. Phil for about a month now. He has been professional and attentive to addressing the issues I’ve been having. The ART, adjustments, and stretching recommendations have been helpful. I’m an active person who has body awareness and he’s brought a couple things to my attention that I hadn’t previously been aware of. I found the clinic through Living Social where I purchased a deal for 3 adjustments and 3 spinal decompression treatments for $50.So far so good, I will update this review as my treatments continue.

Graham Inglis

16:39 04 Dec 19

AmaZing customer service and top notch care and they were cheaper than other spinal decompression clinics around I recommend them for sure.

Trevor Hallett

00:54 29 Oct 19

I started seeing Dr. Phillip Wessel for chronic lower back pain going on 2 years. other chiropractors would just go thru the motions. Dr. Wessel worked the problem. less than 2 months of work and it's gone. Highly recommend him

Santiago Melo

13:54 24 Sep 19

Dr. Wessel is a great professional! I've been seeing him for the last 1.5 months and in such a short period of time he has considerably helped me with my neck and back pains. From the beggining he set up a plan for my specific needs that has exceeded my expectations. Staff is very friendly and location is highly convenient. Will definitely come back regularly for maintenance!

Heather Robinson

16:22 15 May 19

I have been seeing Dr. Huggins for almost 20 years. He and his staff are professional, kind and caring. I am convinced he is the only reason I am still able to indulge in my love of sports. I have no hesitation in recommending this office to anyone in need of excellent care.

Jackie Day

15:54 02 May 19

I have been a steady patient of Dr Huggins for many years. Even though I have about a 45 min to an hour drive from my house to his office I do not even consider going anywhere closer. He is extremely professional, personable and darn good at making me feel better. Thanks Doc. Appreciate you and your fantastic staff.

madeleine xu

01:55 11 Apr 19

Dr. Huggins is a very professional and caring doctor with positive energy. I suffered lower back pain and headache and I always feel much after I visit Dr. Huggins. I noticed the big improvements of my overall health. In addition, the office staff are very friendly and helpful. Thank you Dr. Huggins and Steph. I recommend Oakville Chiropractor Centre very highly!

Vaguegirl

18:29 18 Apr 18

Dr. Huggins has been invaluable to both my family and myself. Not only is he extremely accurate in his assessments but he has also greatly improved the health of our backs. The staff and office are very welcoming and accommodating. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.

Bonnie Machin

14:53 11 Feb 16

Dr. Brian Huggins has been my chiropractor for many years. He is warm and professional as is his staff. I always leave his office feeling better than when I arrive! Visits to Dr. Huggins keep me pain free so I can do all the things I like to do. I also love that have never been pressured to make more visits than I need to maintain health and be pain free.