Children and overloaded backpacks: use common sense!
Backpacks are great for carrying more than can be carried in the arms and hands alone. And, for children, backpacks help to keep important books and papers organized. However, overloaded backpacks can cause headache along with neck, back and arm pain. In addition, constantly carrying a backpack over one shoulder makes muscles of the middle back, ribs and lower back strain to compensate for the uneven weight. In the short term, this strain can cause muscle spasm and back pain. In the long term, this muscle imbalance can lead to back problems later in life. Parents can take steps to help reduce the chance that their child or teen will risk injury from carrying a backpack.Backpack design features to look for
- Lightweight material (canvas as opposed to leather)
- Two padded, adjustable shoulder straps at least 2-inches wide
- Padded back
- Individualized compartments
Teach children how to properly load and wear the backpack
- Pack heaviest objects first so they are lower and closer to the body.
- Use compartments so items don't shift during movement.
- Distribute the load evenly throughout the backpack.
- Use both shoulder straps.
- Adjust straps to fit the backpack snugly to the body, holding the bottom of the backpack two inches above the waist.
- Do not carry the backpack low near the buttocks.
Use common sense
- Train children to clean out backpacks at least once a week.
- Watch to make sure children aren't leaning forward when walking with the backpack.
- Ask children if they have any backaches or pains.
- Encourage children to carry to and from school only those items needed.
- Consider buying a copy of the heaviest books to keep at home.
