Backpacks are a necessary item on all back-to-school lists. As students gear up for back-to-school this fall, Dr. Brian Dial would like to offer parents ways to help children avoid backpack injuries.
Over 79 million students carry a backpack to school each day. While carrying a backpack may seem harmless, it can cause painful back and neck problems for students who don’t pack or carry their backpacks properly. These types of childhood injuries can lead to long-term health problems.
Safety tips on how to avoid backpack injuries: Wear both shoulder straps evenly to properly distribute backpack weight. Get the correct size backpack for your child.
Do not pack too much weight, and follow these guidelines:
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Chiropractic Association:
Weight of Child =Maximum Backpack Weight (In Pounds)
60= 5
60-75=10
75-100 =15
100-125 =18
125-150= 20
150-200 = 25
*No one should carry more than 25 pounds in a backpack.
The backpack should not extend below the lower back. Bigger is not better.
Lighten the load and put the heaviest items in the backpack first, keeping them close to the body.
Lift the backpacks with your legs and place it on one shoulder strap at a time. Do not leave the backpacks on the floor where they can become a tripping hazard. Choose a quality backpack that has wide well cushioned shoulder straps with a lumbar support/padding.
Talk to teachers about the need to bring home textbooks or if at all possible, have any extras set for use at home.
If you would like personalized help for your child’s backpack and other health needs please go to the Wadesboro Chiropractic website at www.WadesboroChiro.com, or call Wadesboro Chiropractic, 704-694-7246.
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