Mayor Lionel Rivera signs Spinal Health Month Proclamation.

Mayor Lionel Rivera signs proclamation, officially declaring October as "Spinal Health Month".

Back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging among the nation's youth. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks and poorly designed computer workstations is a contributing factor, according to Dr. Mary Beth Sanders of Sanders Chiropractic.

This October, during Spinal Health Month, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), doctors of chiropractic across the country are urging parents, teachers and school administrators to take steps to help stop this trend. "The increase in back pain among our youngsters isn't surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks-often slung over just one shoulder-and the long hours they spend tapping away at computer keyboards," said Dr. Sanders. "These activities can negatively impact a child's body during the developing years, resulting in harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime."

A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating, "some concern". Because of this concern, Dr. Sanders is taking time in the month of October to speak to local PTOs about backpack and computer use safety.

For information about the proper use of backpacks and ergonomically designed computer workstations, call Sanders Chiropractic at 475-2455 or call the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) at 800 986-4636, or visit www.acatoday.com