Backpack Safety Tips
Does your child complain about an aching neck or back after coming home from school? This might not seem like a big deal, but your child can suffer from major back, shoulder and neck issues if they are wearing their backpack wrong or carry more weight than their body can handle. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 14,000 children seek treatment for backpack-related injuries each year*. Kids have to carry books, folders, lunchboxes and other essentials they use everyday in school, but there are ways to help prevent your child from experiencing an injury.
Choosing the Right Backpack for Your Child
There are so many different types of backpacks available on the market and it can be hard to choose the backpack that’s right for your child - especially if their favorite character or design is only available in less supportive styles. Here’s what to look for:
-
The backpack should only be as wide as their body
-
The shoulder straps need to be thick, well padded and adjustable so the backpack will fit your child properly
-
The backpack should have an abdominal strap that is adjustable so the weight is evenly distributed over the back and shoulders
-
The back is well padded so your child is not poked by pencils and other objects
-
Compartments for items so the weight is spread out
-
Choose a backpack that is big enough to carry what is needed, but not too big because kids tend to carry as much as they can fit into the pack
How to Wear a Backpack Safely
Your child should wear both shoulder straps with the heaviest items closest to their back to avoid the weight from pulling on their shoulders. The shoulder straps should be adjusted so the weight is not weighing them down. Make sure the abdominal strap is adjusted to support the weight around their waist and check to ensure the weight is not hanging over four inches below their waistline. Wearing a backpack properly will avoid muscle and neck spasms and lower back pain.
Weight Limits
Your child’s backpack should only weigh 5% to 10% of your child’s weight. Leave unnecessary objects home, including laptops, video games, extra books and toys. If you send a water bottle with them, consider sending it empty and having them fill it up after they arrive at school and have unloaded their backpack.
Correcting Pain from Wearing a Backpack
If your child is experiencing neck, shoulder or back pain it’s time to examine how they are wearing their backpack. Have them put on their backpack and show you how they pack it, while guiding them to put the heaviest items in from and how to properly wear it. If discomfort continues a pediatric chiropractic evaluation with Dr. Rob is an important consideration and he can provide an adjustment and/or suggest stretches and exercises as necessary.
For more information about Grand Traverse Family Chiropractic and the chiropractic techniques used, connect with Dr. Rob on the web at www.grandtraversefamilychiro.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grandtraversefamilychiro. Visit the office located in Copper Ridge in Traverse City, Michigan. 
Sources
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Backpack-Safety