Written by Eliza Shirazi for Back1
Pack up those book bags, hop on the bus, and get ready to crank out some good work because school is right around the corner! Unfortunately, so is lower back pain (LBP). Whether you are sending your kids to preschool, entering your last year of college, going back as an adult, or even driving the bus, it's important to take precautions against back pain. The following tips will help protect your back throughout the up coming school year.
Bus drivers typically drive all day and sit in one seated position for many hours. Although many deem that this is easy, it can be extremely strenuous on the lower back. With each turn of that immense steering wheel, stress can be caused in numerous areas. Recently, 384 male full-time urban bus drivers participated in a study on lower back pain conducted by The Israeli Medical Association Journal. It was found that 164 bus drivers, or 42 percent of those participating, had experienced lower back pain in the past 12 months. Many complained about the comfort of the seat and the limited rest period in a work day.
| Take Action |
|
How To Protect Your Back
Wear your backpack with both straps.
If driving a bus for a long time, get a padded seat cushion.
Purchase a bag with multiple compartments to disperse weight.
|
|
Bus drivers may want to invest in their own seat cushion . The Freedom Seat is an orthopedic seat cushion that helps align the spine. It’s designed to better distribute your weight and decrease pressure and strain to your pelvis, tailbone, and lower back. Also, consider stretching when you can. Anyone who sits for a long period of time should take at least 4-5 minutes every 3-4 hours to stretch their lower back. This simple twist stretch gives a great rotation of the spine and back. Always take the time to take care of yourself.
Those riding in the bus also have to worry about back pain. With the number of books that students have to carry, a backpack is the only way to manage all of them in an easy fashion. Some students have both straps on their back, but other students are still caught in the “one shoulder” trend, where they have one strap on one shoulder. This is not only a fading fashion trend, but it puts more weight on one side of your body. This imbalance creates stress on the spine, ribs, and neck, which can cause multiple areas of discomfort. Pick comfort over fashion!
As for the students who use two straps, this is an improvement, but the amount that they put into the backpack matters. If a child or even an adult is carrying more than they can handle, he or she will compensate by leaning forward because the bag will naturally pull them back. Another method that people use to compensate is to keep bumping the bag up onto their upper back. Instead of causing even more stress on the back by doing either of these, learn from the following tips:
- A backpack’s weight is supposed to be distributed evenly across one’s back so there is not stress on one specific spot. Try purchasing a backpack that has wide and padded straps because if the straps are too thin, they can affect circulation. This bag for example, has great padding that will improve comfort.
- A bag with multiple compartments, such as this one, distributes the weight a bit better.
- For those experiencing great discomfort, try a rolling bag. This takes off any stress and allows you to simply roll wherever you have to go.
- Kidshealth.org has great suggestions to keep your kids pain free.
Whether you are the bus driver or the student, LBP can cause immense discomfort. Don’t let it ruin your new school year. No one wants strain on their back when they have to strain their brain all year long!
Photo: o5com
