Back pain in children
The growing number of books, notebooks, folders and other items needed for school unknowingly can place children at risk for back pain, according to an AdventHealth news release.
How a child wears his or her backpack can even play a part, and to decrease the risk of back injury, a backpack should be worn as it was intended.
To encourage correct use, select a backpack that’s comfortable – usually one made of lightweight material with cushioned straps and a back panel.
To get an A+ in backpack safety, AdventHealth offers these tips:
- Carry only necessities leaving everything else at home or in a locker. Keep the load light.
- Wear both shoulder straps.
- Wear waist belt if present.
- Keep all straps snuggly fastened but not overly tight.
- Keep heavier items closer to your back.
A heavy backpack can alter the natural curvature of the spine, placing abnormal stress on spine structures.
Over time, this awkward posture can cause a student to develop pain.
Good posture and proper body mechanics are key factors to maintaining spine health.
When lifting more than five pounds, a student should get down close to the backpack, keeping the neck and back in line, bend at the hips, and lift with the legs and buttocks while tightening the abdominal muscles. A student should refrain from reaching for or twisting to pick up the heavy load.
New physicians
Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) has added Dr. Jeffrey T. Kannen and Dr. Spencer S. Smith to its organization.
Dr. Kannen is fellowship trained in primary care sports medicine, and cares for all musculoskeletal conditions in pediatric and adult populations.
As a primary care sports medicine and orthopedic physician, he does not perform surgical procedures. His interests are in overuse injuries of the upper and lower extremities, extreme sports injuries, diagnostic ultrasound, and regenerative medicine treatments.
Dr. Smith received his fellowship in adult reconstruction, and performs hip and knee replacements. He also takes care of failed or infected joint replacements.
Dr. Kannen will see patients at the FOI Citrus Park, North Tampa and Palm Harbor offices.
Dr. Smith will be at the North Tampa, Riverview and Wesley Chapel locations.
For information, visit FloridaOrtho.com.
