Backpack Safety for School Age Children

Just like children, backpacks come in all shapes and sizes.  That's why we've created an easy to follow list when selecting the appropriate backpack.

 

1.  Choose size over style.

 

If your child wears a backpack that's too large for their frame, chances are they will haul around more than is safe for their spine. 

 

Use your child's back as the tape measure.  The top of a backpack should not go above your child's shoulders and the bottom of the bag should sit 1 to 2 inches above their beltline.  The width of the backpack should reach shoulder blade to shoulder blade.

 

2.  Don't over pack.

 

The first step in correctly packing a backpack is getting the right size bag as discussed in point number one.  A bag larger than a child's back is too easily overstuffed with sports equipment, toys, science projects, snacks, and if there's room, the all important books. 

 

Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 15-20% of your child's total body weight when full.

 

Begin packing the backpack by laying large, flat items at the back of the bag so they lay flat against your child's back.  Then layer smaller books and items on top.  Don't forget to utilize small pockets and compartments to better distribute the weight.  Show your child where each item is so they can re-pack properly after school.  

 

3. Use both straps.

 

Adjust both shoulder straps so the backpack fits snug against your child's back, but make sure it isn't too tight or cutting into their shoulders.  As impossible as it may seem, make sure your child uses both shoulder straps.  It's the best way to avoid spine or back injury.  Your child should be comfortable carrying a fully packed bag if it is adjusted and worn correctly.

 

If your child's backpack fits improperly or isn't worn correctly, it can lead to poor posture and eventually childhood back problems.   Make sure you select the best-fitting bag for your child to help protect their spine.

 

We encourage all parents to bring their children in periodically for chiropractic care.  Chiropractic is safe and effective for kids of all ages and it will help to maintain optimal spine posture and overall health.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Self Massage Technique for Hand Pain

Easy Self-Massage to Alleviate Hand Discomfort

If you experience stress or fatigue in your hands it wouldn’t be uncommon for most to deem it unnecessary to call in for a checkup, however it could be an indicator of an underlying hand problem. 

 

In the meantime I’d like to give you a simple self-relaxation technique you can use to relieve your hand tightness and fatigue.  Keep in mind however these relaxation techniques will not correct the underlying problem, rather it will merely provide short-term relief to help you better cope with hand symptoms.

 

To apply this self-massage technique you will use one hand to massage the other.  To avoid any confusion I will guide you through this simple technique for massaging the right hand.  You may do this on yourself as you read the instructions using your left hand to massage your right hand.

 

There are two major areas of the palm that we will focus on:

1. The fleshy muscle pad on the thumb side of your hand (aka thenar pad)
2. The fleshy muscle pad on the pinky finger side of your hand (aka hypothenar pad)

There are several small muscles that make up these two prominent muscle pads on the palm surface of your hand.  Massaging these two fleshy pads periodically throughout the day can help keep your hand relaxed and functioning as you continue to work. 

 

You should use the thumb of your left hand to gently stroke the thenar pad on your right hand.  One of the best methods to work this muscle group is to stroke from the crease at the central portion of your hand (known as the palmar crease) outward toward your thumb.

 

Massage the thenar pad area for approximately 30-60 seconds and then take a short break. 

 

Now you should perform a very similar process to the hypothenar pad on the pinky side of your right hand.  Again you should work the muscle group by starting near the palmar crease and stroking outward toward the edge of your hand.  You may also massage by starting near the wrist and stroking outward toward the pinky finger.

 

Keep in mind that these massage techniques are not supposed to cause pain.  They also are not meant to diagnose or treat any hand condition you may have.  These gentle massage techniques are merely to help you temporarily relax your stressed and fatigued hands.

 

Again if you have been suffering with hand symptoms (even mild symptoms) we highly recommend that you schedule for a hand evaluation at our clinic.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Neck Pain

Neck pain can affect many aspects of your daily life. It can be painful, limiting, and even debilitating. Knowing the common causes and treatments of neck pain can help improve the life of someone with neck pain and inspire others to be aware of the wear and tear your neck can go through.

How Is Neck Pain Caused?
Injury, age, and daily wear can affect your neck. When the cervical spine goes through sudden force, the vertebrae can become misaligned. This is referred to as a subluxation. This can be caused by anything from a minor slip to a car accident. Another common neck injury in a car accident is whiplash. In this scenario, the cervical spine is forced forward and then pulled back in a fast motion. The whipping motion strains the spine and the supporting tissues of the neck and head.
As we age, degenerative disorders can develop that affect the spine. Osteoarthritis causes deterioration of the cartilage. When cartilage deteriorates, the bones respond by developing bone spurs, boney projections that irritate surrounding tissue. Spinal stenosis is another condition that can cause neck pain. Spinal stenosis causes nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, trapping nerve roots. Another condition, degenerative disc disease reduces the height and elasticity of intervertebral discs. This can cause the discs to bulge or herniate, causing pain amongst themselves and their surrounding areas.
Daily life and personal habits can also cause neck pain. Poor posture leads to the build-up of scar tissue around the spine and associated muscles, which cause the neck to stay that position. Obesity and weak abdominal muscles also contribute to the neck being pushed forward in an unnatural position. Stress can cause muscles in the neck to contract, causing pain and tightness.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Neck Pain
When you first see your chiropractor, he or she will ask questions about your neck and the pain you are feeling. Physical and neurological exams will be performed, and if needed, a CT scan, an MRI, or an EMG may be performed. For misaligned joints in the neck, your chiropractor can perform neck adjustments. These adjustments are performed by hand using quick, precise movements to shift the neck back into line. This will decrease the pressure that the misalignment is causing and provide pain relief to the area. In addition to adjustments, your chiropractor may want to implement massage, mobilization, or exercises. Treatment type and duration will depend on what is causing your neck pain and the severity of the case.
If you have a stiff, swollen, or painful neck, schedule an appointment to see your chiropractor. Do not let neck pain keep you from living your life.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com