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Going Safely Back To School

23 January 2020

Going Safely Back to School

Kids think it’s “cool” to strap on their backpacks and head out to school. But if they don’t know exactly how to choose, load, lift and wear them, these important accessories can be a pain in the back. Literally. Not to mention the neck, head and shoulders.

Backpacks can affect your children’s health

Carrying a heavy load that is unevenly distributed can result in poor posture; and even distort the spinal column, throwing it out of alignment. This may cause Muscle Strain; Headaches; Back Pain; Neck and Shoulder Pain; Arm Pain; or even Nerve Damage. For example, a heavy backpack, carried on one shoulder, forces the muscles and spine to compensate for the uneven weight. This places stress on the mid and lower back, and may increase the likelihood of back problems later in life.

Prevention is the key

Here are a few pointers to help you help your school age children carry their load comfortably and safely.

Choose the right backpack

Don’t choose leather as it is far too heavy.
Go for vinyl or canvas instead.
Choose a bag that has two wide, adjustable, padded shoulder straps
The bag must also have a hip or waist strap.
For most comfort, choose a bag with padded back.
For even weight distribution, aim for a bag with plenty of pockets.
Make sure the bag fits properly, is not too tight around the arms and under armpits, and that its size is proportionate to the wearer’s body.

Packing it properly

Your kids are not moving out, so make sure your children’s bag contains only what is needed for that day, and that the weight is distributed evenly. It’s a good idea to know roughly what each item weighs. The total weight of the filled bag should be no more than 10 to 15 per cent of the wearer’s own body weight. Pack heaviest objects close to the body and place bumpy or odd shaped ones on the outside, away from the back.

Putting the backpack on

It’s a good idea to help young children with this, at least the first few times.

1. Put the pack on a flat surface, at waist height.

2. Slip on the pack, one shoulder at a time.

3. Then adjust the straps to fit comfortably.

Remember when lifting a backpack, or anything, to lift using the arms and legs and to bend at the knees.

The right way to wear a backpack

Both shoulder straps should be used, and adjusted, so that the pack fits snugly to the body, without dangling to the side. Backpacks should never be worn over just one shoulder. You should be able to slide your hand between the backpack and your child’s back. The waist strap should also be worn for added stability. More than 50% of children experience at least one episode of lower back pain by their teenage years.

Research indicates that this could be caused by improper use of backpacks. Together we can bring this number down!

How can we help your child

If your child complains of back pain, numbness or weakness in his or her arms and legs, we encourage you to seek out professional healthcare. Our Brisbane chiropractor works with people of all ages, including children; contact us to book an appointment on 07 3726 0176.

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