Joplin, Missouri – Back to school means for many kids it’s time to pick up their backpacks. The team at Carlson Chiropractic Center wants to share backpack safety tips with local parents and caregivers as well as tips recently released by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Although they’re practical, backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents. As a matter of fact, the ACA reports that young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of weighty backpacks is a contributing factor. Heavy packs can cause a child to hyperextend, or arch, his or her back, or lean the head and trunk forward to compensate for the weight of the bag. These postures can stress the muscles in the neck and back, increasing the risk of injury and fatigue. The natural curves in the middle and lower back can become distorted, which can cause irritation to the spine joints and the rib cage. A rounding of the shoulders could also result if a back has to compensate for a heavy load.
“How a child wears a backpack is important in determining how his or her body will be affected by the extra weight. Children should always use both shoulder straps and wear the pack on the back,” Carlson Chiropractic’s Dr. Steven M. Carlson said. “It’s also important to make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their body weight.”
The ACA urges parents to keep the following in mind:
- Size - The backpack should never be wider or longer than a child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline.
- Straps - The backpack should have two wide, padded shoulder straps so it won’t place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Use - Make sure your child uses both straps. Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.
- Adjustability - The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body.
- Padding - Make sure the backpack has a padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects a child from being poked by sharp edges inside the pack.
- Compartments - A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.
In addition, parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems resulting from carrying a backpack. If the pain is severe or persistent, Carlson Chiropractic urges them to seek care from a doctor of chiropractic or other health care professional.
Since 2003 the professionals at Carlson Chiropractic Center have worked with a hands-on approach to health care, committed to bringing each of their patients better health and a better way of life by teaching and practicing the principles of chiropractic wellness care. With a strong focus on prevention, Carlson Chiropractic is dedicated to helping their patients achieve all of their wellness objectives, assisting them in living life to the fullest!
Thank you for the great advice about backpack safety. Parents, please remind your child of the importance of good posture and if your child has had a fall, plays contact sports, or complains about neck or back pain, please consult with a Chiropractor. It can make such a world of difference to your child’s health.
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