Dr. Kyle True, True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab interview on ABC15-Phoenix

Sept. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Dr. Kyle True, a Chiropractic Physician at True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab sat down with ABC15's Brian McElhatten in regards to Chiropractic and Backpack Safety amongst young children. The interview took place at True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab in Chandler, AZ at 590 N. Alma School Rd Suite #16. The interview aired on ABC15-Phoenix on Monday August 30, 2010 on the 6am Arizona News and again on the 5 o'clock news on ABC15.

Dr. True explained back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that backpack-related injuries sent more than 7,000 people to the emergency room in 2001 alone. Dr. True explained that a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man, or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result. Dr. True stated that improper wear of the backpack by a young child has great effect on their growing spines. By wearing the backpack improperly, the child overloads the spine and causes improper weight distribution and faulty biomechanics wich lead to mis-alignment of the vertebral column in the child's growing spine. Dr. True also states that overuse and improper wear of the backpack leads to severe back pain, headaches, and muscle spasms with associated neck and back pain.  Dr. True went on to explain and show the proper steps children and parents can do to ensure their child is backpack safe for the back to school season.

 Dr. True went on to summarize and give, "Dr. True's quick tips to backpack to school, backpack safety."

Dr. True's Tip #1:  Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
Dr. True's Tip # 4:  The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
Dr. True's Tip # 3:  A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back.
Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
Dr. True's Tip # 4:  Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.
Dr. True's Tip #5:  The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
Dr. True's Tip #6:  If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.

Chiropractic Care Can Help!!!...
If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab in Chandler, AZ (480) 399-5020. Dr. Kyle True, D.C. is a  licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, Dr. Kyle True, D.C. can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.

True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab. Located at 590 N. Alma School Rd Suite #16, in Chandler, AZ 85224. True Health Chiropractic and Sports Rehab is open Tuesdays 8am-7pm, Thursdays 8am-7pm, and Saturdays 8am-1pm. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment only. Please call Dr. Kyle True today and set up an appointment to for you or your child. Dr. True will be happy to check your child's backpack and make sure it is safe and their spine is protected. For more information contact us at www.truechiroandrehab.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/truehealthchiropracticandsportsrehab, or check us out on yelp by searching True Health Chiropractic in Chandler, AZ.


www.truechiroandrehab.com
www.facebook.com/truehealthchiropracticandsportsrehab

-Sources:
 American Chiropractic Association
 U.S. Consumer and Safety Reports, 2001

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True Health Chiropratic and Sports Rehab is located at 590 N. Alma School Rd Suite 16, Chandler, AZ 85224.
Dr. Kyle True offers affordable and reliable Chiropractic care and Rehabiliation to the east valley of Phoenix, AZ.