Backpack Safety 101

Does your child ever complain of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, or headaches? Does your child have trouble keeping his or her posture upright? Does your child have uneven shoulders or hips? Does your child ever complain about the weight of their backpack? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, please read on to backpack safety 101. These tips are valuable in addressing key problems that can save your children from years of back and neck problems!

• Make sure their backpack is not more than 5-10% of their body weight. Any more and this will cause your child to hunch forward to compensate for the heavy backpack.

• Purchase a back pack that has wide padded straps. Thin straps can become irritable and can put more pressure on the shoulders.

• Adjust the straps so that the bag is no more than 4 inches below the waistline. Any lower and this will cause your child to lean again in compensation.

• Use both shoulders! Yes it looks cool on one shoulder, no it’s not good for your spine! This could lead to abnormal spinal curvatures and uneven shoulders (Moms with purses check this out)

• Carry only what’s needed at the time. Use lockers to switch in and out books so that your load isn’t too heavy at one given time.

• When lifting the backpack from the ground, use your knees and hinge at the waist to lessen the pressure on your lower back.

There you have it, the most effective and ergonomic ways to utilize a backpack. As always, chiropractors are trained to treat back and neck problems that may be associated with students. Schedule and appointment with Dr. Ezell if you would like to have your child checked.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell