3 Ways to Prevent Backpack Pain in Your Child
Almost everything a child needs at school can be found in one place—their back. From books and notepads to pens and a laptop, a child’s backpack includes all the supplies they need to succeed. But did you know that these backpacks could be the underlying cause for spinal pain in your child? That there is a right way and a wrong way to wear the backpack to reduce pain or strain in the back, shoulder or neck area?
In recognition of the start of the school year, your friends at Chiron offer the following safety tips to make this school year pain free and help stop the emerging trend that sees our young people suffering from back pain sooner than generations before them.
TIP #1: Go high, not low
When the backpack sits on your child’s back, the bottom of the bag should not go past your child’s waist. There’s a tendency for some children to let the backpack slump all the way to their knees, which can cause unnecessary tension on their shoulder and lower back. This problem can be easily remedied by adjusting the backpack’s straps. By tightening the straps, the backpack will stay close to the body and rest in the middle of the back, not at the buttocks.
TIP #2: Reduce the load
Doctors and physical therapists strongly recommend children carry bags that are no more than 10-15% of their body weight. This means that if your child weighs 100 lbs., the backpack should weigh no more than 15 lbs. to avoid injury. However, less is always better. Encourage your child to get into the habit of cleaning out their bag daily, leaving things that aren’t needed at home or in their locker.
TIP #3: Pay attention to the straps
Does your child head out the door with just one backpack strap slung over their shoulder? Stop that habit and reduce the inevitable strain and pain that will result. Teach your child to wear both straps, not just one. This helps to distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain on one side of the upper body. In addition, place the heavier books closer to the back as they require the most body support.
We wish all of our Dulles South students a healthy, successful school year.