It is that time of year again where everyone gets back into their routines and the kids go back to school. Lives get busy, and we forget just how heavy the things we lug around every day are and how they affect our daily lives. On average people shouldn’t carry more than 15% of their body weight, and children only 10%. This means a 50 lb child should only carry 5 lbs and a person weighing 150lbs should only carry 22 lbs. Now this might sound like a lot of weight but on average a laptop weights 6 lbs, a lunch roughly 2 lbs and two binders roughly 3 lbs. If you are experiencing back, shoulder, or neck pain it might be that your bags are too heavy.
First try some simple stretches for your neck and back. First place feet shoulder width apart, and bend over and touch your toes, only go as far as you feel a comfortable stretch. Next try a stretch for your shoulders and neck. Place your hands behind your back then gently tilt your head to your ear again only going as far as you feel a nice stretch. Repeat on the other side. Always hold for 30-45 seconds and never stretch to the point of pain. If these stretches do not resolve the issue you should book in with your massage therapist.
