Backpacks & Your Child’s Health

It’s that time of year again. One of the most important purchases for back-to-school shopping for parents and caregivers will make is to find the right backpack for their child.

New research indicates that there are long term health risks associated with children wearing a poorly designed or overloaded backpack. Studies show that hauling heavy backpacks on a continual basis can cause stress to the growing spine.

A heavy backpack carried on the back can potentially injure the neck, shoulders, back, cause numbness in the arms and reduce blood flow to the surrounding muscles and tissues. Poor posture can also develop when a heavy backpack causes the child to lean forward, reducing their ability to maintain balance. The shoulders can become rounded and the resulting stress on neck muscles can lead to headaches and neck pain.

A recent study has found that choosing the right backpack and taking care to distribute the weight evenly can make a big difference in avoiding painful injuries.

Here are some tips parents and caregivers should follow when making this very important purchase.

Find a backpack that is made of light materials such as vinyl and canvas
Backpacks with 2 straps distribute weight much better than bags which are slung over the shoulder
The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone
The shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide, be padded and should not fit too snugly around the arms
Choose a backpack with a padded back for added protection and support
A hip strap or waist belt can take as much as 50-70% of the weight off the shoulders and spine, try to find a backpack which has one
Choose a backpack with lots of pockets to help distribute weight more effectively

Now that you have an idea of what kind of backpack is best for your child, it’s also important to consider how much weight is safe for themyour child to carry. The general rule of thumb is no more than 15% of the child’s body weight or 10% for elementary school children.

Lastly, it’s also important to know how to get a backpack on so as to avoid injury. If no one is available to give a helping hand, squat or kneel to pick up the backpack and place it on a counter, chair or table at waist height, before slipping it on. Avoid twisting when lifting and lift with the legs, bending at the hips and knees to put on one shoulder strap at a time.

Following these tips can help ensure your child’s back is protected. For more information on choosing the right backpack for your child, contact your local Chiropractor.