¿Cómo cuidar la salud de la columna de los niños en el regreso a clases?

Title: How to Care for Children's Spinal Health During Back-to-School Season? Author: Peng Jiahui, Special Contributor at Hunan Medical Chat. Review: ZS. With the start of the school year, it is crucial to care for children's spinal health by ensuring proper backpacks and good posture.

As September arrives and a new school year begins, children again carry their backpacks and return to school. In the pediatric rehabilitation department of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Yongzhou, we often find parents concerned about:

Children walking with one shoulder higher than the other may be due to heavy backpacks, improper posture, or other reasons. It is recommended to check the weight of the backpack to ensure it does not exceed the child’s carrying capacity, while also teaching them the correct walking posture. If the situation persists, it is advisable to take them to see a doctor for a professional assessment.

Children often prefer to lie down while doing homework, which can indeed have adverse effects on the spine. Maintaining this position for long periods may lead to spinal curvature or other problems. Therefore, parents are encouraged to supervise their children to maintain proper sitting posture, ensure the desk and chair are appropriately sized, and take regular breaks to relieve spinal pressure. Maintaining good posture is very important for children's physical development.

Choosing between a double-shoulder and single-shoulder backpack mainly depends on your needs and the usage scenario. Double-shoulder backpacks are generally more suitable for carrying heavier items or for prolonged use, as they distribute weight evenly, reducing shoulder strain. Single-shoulder backpacks are lighter and better suited for short trips or situations where items are frequently taken in and out, usually being more fashionable and convenient. Ultimately, the choice of which type to use should be based on personal preference and the usage context.

These issues may seem like 'small details,' but they are closely related to the development of a child's spine.

1. Why is it important to pay attention to spinal health?

Children and adolescents are in a stage of growth and development, making their spines flexible but also more susceptible to being affected by poor posture.

If a child maintains an incorrect posture for long periods or carries an excessively heavy backpack, the following issues may arise: 1. Neck and shoulder pain: Poor posture can lead to muscle tension and fatigue, resulting in pain. 2. Back discomfort: Prolonged sitting or incorrect carrying methods may compress the spine, causing back pain. 3. Lower back pain: An overly heavy backpack or incorrect carrying posture increases the load on the lower back, leading to pain. 4. Poor posture: Long-term incorrect posture may lead to habitual tilting of the body, forming bad standing or sitting positions. 5. Increased fatigue: Incorrect body posture makes muscle function more strenuous, leading to faster fatigue. 6. Headaches: Muscle tension may trigger headaches or migraines. 7. Affects breathing: Poor posture may compress the chest, affecting normal respiration. Maintaining correct posture and appropriate carrying methods is crucial to avoid these issues.

1. Shoulder and neck pain, fatigue;

2. Uneven shoulders, hunching;

3. Scoliosis may even affect respiratory function and the ability to move.

The health of the spine is related to children's posture and movement ability throughout their lives.

2. How to choose a more suitable backpack?

1. Weight control.

The weight of the backpack should be kept below 10% of the child's weight.

For example: for a child weighing 30 kilograms, the backpack should not weigh more than 3 kilograms.

Double-shoulder backpacks are superior to single-shoulder ones.

It is recommended to choose a double-shoulder backpack to avoid excessive pressure on one side, which can lead to uneven shoulder height.

3. Backpack design.

Backpacks with chest and waist straps can effectively distribute pressure.

The bottom of the backpack should not rest below the child's waist.

3. Correct posture while studying for children.

1. Head straight, back upright, shoulders level;

Place both feet flat on the ground or on the pedal.

Keep the book about 30 centimeters away from the eyes.

4. The height of the table and chairs is suitable: when seated, the feet should naturally touch the ground, and the elbows can rest on the table.

Small tricks:

Study for 45 minutes and it is recommended to take a break to move for 5-10 minutes to avoid excessive tension on the spine and neck.

4. Small tests that parents can perform at home.

1. Uneven shoulders: The child should stand naturally, observing if their shoulders are symmetrical.

2. Spinal curvature: Ask the child to clasp their hands and bend forward, observe for asymmetrical protrusions on the back.

3. Observation of gait: Check if the child is leaning to one side while walking or if they are prone to falling.

If abnormalities are found, early visits to pediatric rehabilitation or related specialties for screening are advised.

Friendly reminder.

The spine is like the 'pillar of life' for children; the weight of the backpack, the posture while studying, and daily habits, each small detail influences their development.

Prevent timely and stay alert, so children can maintain an upright posture and grow up healthy.

Special contributor from Hunan Medical Chat: Peng Jiahui of Yongzhou Lingling District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.

Follow @HunanMedicalChat for more information on health promotion and science.

(Edited by ZS)

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