School Health Program
Many studies suggest that heavy backpacks result in increased disc pressure and lumbar curvature and restrict movement of spine. This makes children the prime candidates for postural and degenerative changes in later part of life. To address this often-neglected problem area, we conduct School Health Programs to help children prevent musculoskeletal injuries and problems. This non-surgical intervention can help children avoid injuries in the future.
The Ergonomic Audit And Session For Children Includes:
- Postural Screening
- Backpack Evaluation
- Prevention Of Early Degenerative Changes In Spine And Joint Problems
Child Health Program
“Heavy Backpacks Lead to Injuries & Disorders – A Pre-emptive Strike is Necessary!”
A person can bear a certain amount of weight on his/ her back. If this weight is on the higher side (more than 15% of body weight) then the person will experience pain. If he carries this weight for a prolonged period, the problems become worse. When this situation is replicated for children, the effects are much worse because children are in a developmental stage. Their bones are not as strong as adults’ bones. Moreover, they might not always be aware of any postural or other physical changes in their bodies. Hence, reducing the weight on their shoulders (quite literally) is a parent’s responsibility.
Backpack Evaluation & Posture Analysis
We conduct an in-depth analysis of the child’s backpack, posture, desk, and more. We then provide inputs on how to make improvements in order to reduce risk of injury and pain. We also educate children, parents, and schools on the modifications to be adopted to ensure that the child does not suffer. The entire process is interactive and interesting to help children grasp concepts easily.
The Root of the Problem
The rising incidence of back pain in school going children has become a matter of concern that needs to be addressed urgently. Heavy backpacks carried incorrectly are the root cause of neck and back pain among students. Writing/sitting on the table in wrong posture for a long time and wrong furniture along with continuous use of gadgets like smartphone, computers, gaming consoles, etc. can add to pain and discomfort leading to reduced attention during classes. Long distance travel in school bus, lack of exercise and faulty food habits add to the already existing burden of physical pain among children.
School Health Program Goals
We achieve the following goals:
- To educate parents, teachers, and students about common lifestyle and posture related issues that could occur during school hours.
- To provide simple measures to be taken to avoid these issues.
- To help children improve their postures thus improving their quality of life.
- To provide knowledge on how to maintain an ergonomic environment for the child.
- To diagnose and provide solutions for any problems that the child may be facing.
- To prevent early degenerative changes in spine and joints and helping children grow into well-rounded healthy adults.
Does Your Child Need Help?
In case you’re wondering if your child needs to attend the Spinalogy’ Child Health Program, have a look at the questions below:
- Does your child often complain of neck and back pain?
- Has his/ her posture been affected? (For instance, does he/she slouch while walking/ reading?)
- Does your child complain of pain after walking for a few minutes?
- Is your child less attentive in class?
- Has your kid has suffered an injury related to the excessive weight of his/ her schoolbag?
- Does he get tired and lethargic easily?
If any of these questions are true, your child’s health is at risk. You should meet with our doctor who can help you and your child out.
RESEARCH ON NEED FOR SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Here, we will look at three studies that were conducted by a team of doctors to examine the relation between increment of weight of school bags and postural changes.
STUDY 1:
Measuring Effect of Excessive School Bag Weight & Craniovertebral Angle
- Age of Children: 8 – 11 years
- Angles Measured: Forward trunk lean and pelvic tilt
- Weight of Load (School Bag): 10 – 20% of their respective body weights
- Duration of Walk: 6 Minutes
- Children’s’ Complaints: Excessive Pain
- Professional Diagnosis: The children’s postures worsened when the load or time was increased. The pain and postural changes are symptoms of the children developing back pain in their adulthood.
STUDY 2:
Measuring Effect of Excessive School Bag Weight & Cervical Posture
- Age of Children: 8 – 11 years
- Angles Measured: Forward trunk lean and pelvic tilt
- Weight of Load (School Bag): 10 – 20% of their respective body weights
- Duration of Walk: 6 Minutes (Conducted over 3 weeks)
- Children’s’ Complaints: Experienced pain and discomfort concentrated in the neck area.
- Professional Diagnosis: The craniovertebral angle (CVA) changed as soon as the children wore the backpacks. There was an increased forward lean of their heads as well.
STUDY 3:
Measuring Effect of Excessive School Bag Weight & Postural Angles
- Age of Children: 8 – 11 years
- Angles Measured: Forward trunk lean and pelvic tilt
- Weight of Load (School Bag): 10 – 20% of their respective body weights
- Duration of Walk: 6 Minutes
- Children’s’ Complaints: Experienced pain and discomfort concentrated in the neck and back area.
- Professional Diagnosis: A marked difference was noted in the Head on Neck (HON), Head and Neck on Trunk