Helpful Tips to Prevent Pain Caused from Backpacks
Thursday, September 6th, 2012
Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Loaded with binders, textbooks, and now even laptops, children’s backpacks are often tripping the scales at over 30lbs. Lugging this amount of weight can certainly lead to significant back, shoulder, and neck injuries.
Here are few helpful tips:
- Backpacks should not weigh more than 10 percent of body weight. With a heavier backpack, children tend to bend forward to support the extra weight.
- Wear both shoulder straps is key! Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side.
- Backpack should hang less than four inches below waistline.
- Choose a backpack with individualized compartments to redistribute weight effectively.
- Wide, padded and adjustable straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
