With school now in full swing, we’re seeing more and more children come in with complaints in the back, neck, and shoulders. We must take a moment to address a topic many parents don’t consider as a possible culprit for their child’s pain: The Backpack. Whether your child is in elementary school or college, the weighted pack they carry daily may create problems.
Back pain affects nearly 80% of adults throughout their lifetime. However, a disturbing trend has found more children suffering from back pain than generations ago. There are several contributing factors, one of which may be backpack usage.
In 2016 alone, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 6,300 emergency room entries were due to backpack-related injuries. Carrying heavy bags can result in injuries ranging from acute and chronic back pain to muscle imbalances and posture problems.
We’ve formulated a checklist you can run through with your child’s current backpack.
Backpack Safety Checklist
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends that backpacks weigh less than 10% of a child’s body weight.
Example: An 80-pound middle school student should not carry more than 8 pounds of material (roughly two textbooks) in their bag. Educate your children on utilizing a locker for storage and only carrying the books and materials they need for their next class.
Is the backpack the correct size for your child?
The bottom of the backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. The lower the bag sits, the heavier it feels, and the more your child will lean forward to offset the weight. Bigger is not always better. Larger bags encourage kids to put more items in them, increasing their weight.
Does the backpack have padded and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort?
Avoid draw-string backpacks. The rope can dig into the shoulders and reduce blood circulation in the arms. Instead, choose one with a comfortable padding option and adjustable straps.
Is your child using both shoulder straps?
Lugging around the bag on one shoulder will create a weight shift in the body, spine, and muscles. Long-term problems with this shift include poor posture, muscle imbalances (like women with heavy purse straps always worn across the same shoulder), and more severe health conditions.
Major RED FLAGS to look for in your child:
- Numbness in the arms or hands
- Neck or shoulder pain, especially during or after school
- Headaches
- Forward head posture
- Uneven shoulder height
Whether seeking relief from chronic pain or simply aiming for optimal health, your Livonia chiropractor guides you every step of the way. Contact our office to schedule an appointment by Clicking Here or giving us a call today: 734-427-6333