How Safe Are Backpacks?
As children head back to school in late August, a disturbing new trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much sooner than generations before them. A major contributing factor seems to be a heavy backpack. Most parents (and children) are unaware of the potential injury that heavy backpacks can cause.
More than 50% of children surveyed carry backpacks that are too heavy.
If a backpack is stuffed with heavy books and/or worn incorrectly, the bio-mechanical pressure on the spine increases dramatically. As a result, your child may lean forward to compensate. This can cause shoulder, neck, or back pain.
To help your child's back, here's what you can do
1. Pack smart. Make sure that your child gets in the habit of cleaning out their bag daily, leaving things that aren't needed at home or in the locker back at school.
2. Distribute weight evenly. Teach your child to wear both straps, not just one. This helps to distribute the weight evenly.
3. Pay attention to your child's posture. If your child is slouching or leaning over to one side, chances are that the backpack is too heavy. If there are any signs of pain, tingling, or numbness consult your doctor or physical therapist immediately.
4. Get the right backpack. Consider getting a backpack with multiple compartments to keep the weight more evenly distributed.
5. Lift the backpack properly. Teach your child how to lift the backpack correctly by bending at the knees and lifting with both hands before putting it on.
6. Reduce the load. Doctors and physical therapists strongly recommend children carry bags that are no more than 10-15% of their body weight. However, less is always better.
Backpacks are very helpful, but they can also strain your child's muscles and joints and may lead to back pain if they are too heavy. Your child does not have to suffer from shoulder, neck, or back pain due to carrying or lifting a heavy backpack.
If you are not sure if your child is wearing his/her backpack the right way, contact a physical therapist and they will teach your child after conducting a thorough examination the most efficient exercises to help address any impairment and help your children (and you) to develop stronger muscles, improve posture, and return to normal, pain-free activities.
