Could Your Kids’ Backpack Injure Their Spine?
Now that kids are back to school, they will be loading their backpacks up with books and other items. But, heavy backpacks can cause serious injury to your child. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states, in 2013 more than 20,000 strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures from backpacks were treated in hospital emergency rooms, physicians’ offices and clinics. Robin Stoloff talks with a local chiropractor about the issues he sees and what we can do to prevent pain and injury in our kids.
Plus, check out these tips from the The American Occupational Therapy Association.
- 1
Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back (the back of the pack).
- 2
Arrange books and materials so they won’t slide around in the backpack.
- 3
Check what your child carries to school and brings home. Make sure the items are necessary for the day’s activities.
- 4
Distribute weight evenly by using both straps. Wearing a pack slung over one shoulder can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort.
- 5
The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. It should never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline.
- 6
Weigh your child’s backpack and ensure it weighs no more than 10 percent of your child’s body weight.
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