Don't Forget the Doctor During Back-to-School Planning

Paramus Daily Voice—September 6, 2016

In a recent article published by Paramus Daily Voice, Roger F. Widmann, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, offers advice for preventing school-related injuries from an orthopedic standpoint.

For instance, Dr. Widmann explains, "Heavy backpacks are a common cause of back pain in children, though they do not cause scoliosis, as some believe. Backpacks should weigh 10 percent or less of the child's total body weight and have wide, padded straps that are tightened to keep the load closer to the body."

Dr. Widmann also suggests that, "An annual physical exam by your pediatrician should be scheduled around the same time every year. This exam includes a scoliosis screening as well as sports clearance if your child will be participating in school athletics. The sports screening can identify any medical or musculoskeletal conditions that need to be addressed before the start of the season and help keep your child safe."

To read more, visit Paramus.DailyVoice.com.