It’s that time of year again to start your back to school shopping. Your kids will need a back to school wardrobe, and a new backpack. But, you want to make sure you buy your child the right pack. Since using the wrong backpack can lead to back pain for your child. It has been shown that on average children’s backpacks cause at least 7,000 doctors’ visits annually due to complaints of muscle spasms, neck and shoulder pain in the United States. Although children are both strong and flexible, their backs can only handle so much. When they use the wrong pack or carry too much weight, they can develop sore muscles, strained ligaments along with pain in the shoulders and throughout the child’s back. A good sign of back pain caused by their backpack is that the pain the child complains of during the week is gone by Monday morning.
Five Steps to Buying the Correct Backpack:
1. The best way to check a bag is to see how it fits by trying it on for comfort and size and by adding weight to the bag in the store. (The pack should not hang more than four inches below the waistline).
2. Choose a backpack that is adjustable with heavily padded shoulder straps.
3. The backpack should be worn up against the low back with the weight evenly distributed on the left and right side of the hips. If the bag does not fit comfortably with weight added, it is not the right bag for your child.
4. The maximum weight should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of your body weight. Meaning, an 11-year old child who weighs 80 pounds should be limited to carrying only eight to 12 pounds in their backpack.
5. Only allow them to carry items that are absolutely necessary. Don’t let them add nonessential items from home.
There are many styles and choices of backpacks out in the stores these days. Remember that although you want your child to look good for school, protecting their back is much more important. Buy having your child wear the correct backpack you are helping prevent an injury to your child.
For more information, contact Dr. Kelly Herta, DC at 661- 295-5200. Aligned Health Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 27875 Smyth Drive, Suite 100 in Valencia.