BACKPACKS – YOUR CHILD’S SPINE AT RISK

We all want our children to do well in school.  We make sure they bring their books home so they can do their homework.  We have their books packed away in their backpacks so they are ready to be taken to class the next day.  Recently scientists have begun examining the effects of carrying heavy book bags.  

421 students were studied and found that backpacks with one strap caused spinal side bending and shoulder elevation.  Carrying a backpack caused forward lean of the head and body.

On average the backpack weighed 17% of the child’s body weight.  This would explain why:

             67% of students had muscle soreness

             50% had back pain

             25% had numbness

             15% had shoulder pain

If your child does use a backpack there are things you can do to reduce the physical stress.

1.         Make sure the weight of the bag does not exceed more than 10% of the child’s body weight.

2.         Avoid using backpacks or bags with one strap.

3.         Ensure that the child wears both straps on their shoulders to distribute the weight.

4.         Have your child’s spine examined by a chiropractor so that any potential postural or spinal problems can be addressed.