Heading back to school with healthy back
There is growing concern about children carrying backpacks far too heavy for their little frames over the past few years.
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Experts believe backpacks weighing more than 15 per cent of a child’s body weight put the child at risk for chronic back pain, back and neck strain, inflammation, accidents and potential long-term spinal damage.
School is right around the corner (or here for some!), be smart this year with your child’s backpack.
Review the tips below and make sure that your child’s backpack won’t cause injury to his or her growing spine.
• Always avoid bags or backpacks with one shoulder strap.
• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Even better: pick up a rolling backpack, if your school allows them.
• Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 15% of your child’s body weight.
• Organise the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items close to the centre of the back.
• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing the child to lean forward when walking.
It should not cover more than three-quarters of the length of your child’s back.
• If your child is experiencing some back issues, ask the school if there is an extra set of his or her heaviest books and leave those at home.
• There are some visual tell-tale signs that your child’s backpack is too heavy or ill-fitted.
Look for these red flags: forward head posture, one shoulder positioned higher than the other or tilted hips when standing.
• If you think that your child or a child you know may be having problems or has had problems in the past possibly stemming from their school bag, please get that child’s spine checked by a Chiropractor as soon as possible.
Spinal issues can affect the nervous system greatly leading to serious health problems. The earlier that spine is checked the better it is for that child. Optimum spine = optimum health.
How much should your child's school bag weigh?
Child’s weight X 15% = Maximum backpack weight
23 kgs. x .15 = 3.45 kgs.
56 kgs. x .15 = 8.4 kgs
Wish you a safe and stress-free new school year.