Shopping for a school backpack? Read this first
It’s that time of year, when school supplies start lining store shelves and parents begin reviewing the back-to-school shopping list. But if your purchase plans include a new backpack, here’s a friendly reminder that a too-heavy backpack, or one that isn’t worn correctly, can cause back pain in your child.
Here are a few tips:
– Make sure your childโs backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.ย An overweight backpack will cause your child to begin bending forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
– A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively and ensure that your childโs sandwich isnโt flattened by a heavy textbook.
– When packing the backpack, make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the childโs back.ย An uneven surface rubbing against your childโs back could cause painful blisters.
– Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one.ย A backpack slung over one shoulder disproportionately shifts all of the weight to one side, and can cause not only neck and muscle spasms, but also low back pain.
– Padded shoulder straps are very important.ย Not only will they be more comfortable than non-padded straps, but they will also help prevent the straps from digging into your childโs shoulders.
– The shoulder straps should be adjustable, so the backpack can be fitted to your childโs body.ย Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably, and cause misalignment and pain.
– If the backpack is still too heavy, talk with your childโs teacher.ย It might be possible to leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or work books.
Note that these rules also apply to adults who may be wearing backpacks as part of their work commute.
If your child is experiencing back pain, call our office at 425-778-9600 to schedule a consultation.
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