Improper use may result in neck, shoulder, back pain, and posture issues
Buses across the region will soon arrive at newly scrubbed schools and young scholars bearing new backpacks will make their steps toward the halls of learning.
Parents should ensure when their young charges step off the bus that the backpack represents a helpful device and not a burden to the bones and posture of a student.
Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Rehabilitation Services Director Leanne Berry reminds parents that backpacks are a better tool for carrying around heavy school books and supplies t
“What we tend to see is when a backpack is not used properly, such as just flung on one shoulder or if it has too much weight in proportion to the child’s body weight, problems can develop,” she said.
Improper backpack use can injure muscles and joints, but is not a cause of scoliosis, a sideways curve of the spine.
The National Safety Council recommends parents choose a lightweight pack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back to keep kids from being poked by sharp objects such as pencils and notebooks inside the pack. Key points to remember are:
- Choose a backpack with an ergonomic design
- Ensure the backpack is never wider or longer than the torso of the child; do not let it hang more than 4 inches below the waist
- Hip and chest belts help transfer some of the weight to the hips and torso
- Multiple compartments help distribute the weight
- Compression straps on the sides or bottom help stabilize the contents
- Backpacks should have reflective material for safety
“Children should not have to struggle to put the backpack on,” Berry said. “If they do, it’s too heavy. If they complain about back or neck pain, take steps to lighten their load and ensure they are using both straps.”
More information on backpack use may be found at the National Safety Council’s website at nsc.org.