Submitted by Tumwater Chiropractic Center
Now that the school-year is getting into full swing, have you taken the time to pick up your child’s backpack recently? Does their backpack (or your purse/briefcase) feel like it is loaded with a ton of bricks? Have you ever wondered what that heavy weight might feel like to someone half your size?
Well unfortunately, back pain is increasingly common in children and young adults, and overweight backpacks are a major contributing factor. In 2001, more than 7,000 people in the U.S. went to the emergency room for a backpack-related injury. A recent study in Italy showed that many children are carrying backpacks that are the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for an average adult male. And other research is indicating that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer their recovery from many spine injuries will take.
The problem is so widespread, some states have passed legislation that forces school districts to reduce the weights of children’s backpacks. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends that no child’s backpack should weigh more than 10% of their body weight.
What Can You Do?
- The following tips can help prevent pain and injury resulting from backpack misuse.
- Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight
- Use a backpack with individualized compartments to keep the weight more evenly distributed
- Prevent the backpack from hanging more than 4 inches below the waistline
- Wear the backpack on both shoulders to prevent asymmetrical weight distribution
- Adjust the shoulder straps to keep the backpack fitting close against your child’s back and not bouncing up and down too easily
- If the backpack is still too heavy, ask your child’s teacher if they can leave their heavier books at school, or if there is an e-version of the textbook available
If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort from backpack use, see your Chiropractor as soon as possible. Doctors of Chiropractic trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of technique for children. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic can prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles and good posture.
Kelly Golob, D.C. is a Chiropractor at Tumwater Chiropractic Center at 128 D St SW in Tumwater. Their clinic offers a variety of conservative and alternative treatments for musculoskeletal injuries and preventative wellness. They can be contacted at 360-570-9580 or online or find them on Facebook.
