Decatur Back & Neck | Dr. Mario Fucinari

Backpack Safety and Children

For several years, backpacks have become more prevalent among children for the transportation of books, laptops and other necessities of school. A backpack seems to be ideal since it is less cumbersome than a briefcase or bag. When worn properly, the strongest muscles in the body support a backpack: the back and abdominal muscles.

Children as young as five years of age through college students are being observed using backpacks. It is this diversity in age and size that poses a problem for strain on children. I have seen a marked increase in backpack related injuries to the neck, shoulders and back of students.

Textbooks seem to be increasing in size and weight. If you couple several books necessary for the school curriculum, they become too heavy, causing stress and injury to the shoulders, neck and upper back of a child.

To avoid injury to children and even adults, parents should be aware of some simple guidelines in choosing the correct backpack for the student. Many schools have banned backpacks with wheels and pull-handles, because of safety reasons. Therefore, it is important that the parent and student plan on a backpack that will not only accomplish the task, but also will be least harmful to the individual.

The American Chiropractic Association has issued guidelines for parents and students to decrease injury.

Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. Anything heavier may cause your child to hunch forward in order to support the added weight.

The backpack should never hang lower than four inches below the waistline.

A backpack with multiple compartments gives the student added flexibility in distributing the weight effectively.

Wide, padded straps lessen the stress on the shoulders.

The straps should be adjustable so the straps can be fitted to your child’s body.

A waist strap will help to distribute the load better so the lower back and abdominal muscles can aid in the lift.

A padded back in the backpack will help protect the student from protruding objects inside the pack.

Encourage your student to use both shoulder straps and the waist strap at all times.

Lastly, do not ignore your child’s pain. If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, contact your chiropractor. A child’s spine is like a growing young tree. Deformities such as curvatures, when caught early, many times can be corrected, thus avoiding permanent problems in their adult years.

Dr. Mario Fucinari D.C. is a chiropractic physician and director of Decatur Back and Neck Center.
Contact us for an appointment today.

Backpack Safety and Children

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