Backpack Safety

Since most kids are heading back to school this month, now is the time to think about backpack safety. Chiropractors, pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons alike agree that backpacks are a problem for a child’s spine. While a backpack alone may not cause major problems, overloading and improper carrying of a backpack can lead to headaches, neck, shoulder and lower back pain.

How heavy is too heavy?
Many children are carrying up to 40 lbs and are hurting themselves. A child carrying more than 10-15% of his or her body weight can suffer from severe neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches and other spinal discomfort; not to mention aggravate pre-existing spinal conditions such as scoliosis.

Warning Signs a backpack is too heavy:
· Change in posture when wearing backpack
· Struggling when putting on or taking backpack off
· Pain when wearing backpack
· Tingling or numbness
· Red marks

A child weighing:
· 50 lbs should carry no more than 7.5 lbs
· 80 lbs should carry no more than 12 lbs
· 100 lbs should carry no more than 19.5 lbs
· 150 lbs should carry no more than 22.5 lbs

Tips for safe backpack use:
· Wear both straps
· Wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles — the size of the backpack should match the size of the child. The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and the shoulder straps should be adjusted so that it’s easy for the child to take the backpack on and off without difficulty.
· Lighten the load — a heavy backpack forces the wearer to bend forward. Use the 15% rule, and be sure that the heaviest items rest against the back.
· Use proper lifting techniques — bend at the knees and use your legs to lift the backpack placing one shoulder strap on at a time.