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BACKPACK SAFETY Each year at this time and for about two weeks prior, there is a lot of moaning and groaning about the impending school year from my two children and my wife – who is a teacher. The thought of another year of work after a spectacular summer is always “challenging,” especially when you factor in shopping for school supplies and clothes. One essential of the wardrobe is a backpack, which needs to be fashionable, as well as functional. Recently, there has been concern about the musculoskeletal health of children and teenagers who carry backpacks. Let’s take a closer look at this piece of luggage and how it affects our children. What is backpack safety? Over the years, various medical organizations have addressed concerns about the use of the backpack and associated injuries and health conditions. It has been shown that children and teenagers that improperly use a backpack are at risk for the development of back, shoulder and neck pain. This is usually due to heavy loads distributed unevenly within the backpack. If you look at a child carrying a heavy backpack, they may appear to have a curvature of the spine because of uneven weight distribution. Contrary to popular thought, curvature of the spine, or scoliosis, will not develop permanently due to improper backpack usage. Medical studies have shown that children and teens are not at increased risk for scoliosis because of a heavy backpack. However, a heavy pack will lead to increased pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. This discomfort may be caused by strains, sprains, muscle spasms, and imbalance. If a pack is too heavy for a child, there is a risk that the child will fall backward and thus experience some sort of orthopedic injury. Studies have shown that this threat exists. However, medical guidelines have shown this to be a preventable source of injury. Besides purchasing a sturdy, comfortable and well-sized backpack, parents should ensure that their children are not loading the backpack beyond 10 to 15 percent of the child’s body weight. What are some recommendations for backpack safety? Choosing the right backpack is essential. You child wants fashionable; you want functional and safe. It’s easy to establish a middle ground. Do not buy an oversized pack, as this encourages over packing. Buy a backpack that is consistent with the student’s needs. Those bags with a single strap over the shoulder can lead to increased pain at the top of shoulder because of the unbalanced mode of carrying. Two padded straps that do not cut into the child’s shoulders are important for comfort. Be certain your child utilizes both straps. Other features to look for include a waist strap, a padded back piece, and lightweight materials. Rolling backpacks have begun to gain popularity and are quite functional. Encourage students to only pack what they need for that day and that they are not toting any unusable goods. Also encourage the student to make frequent trips to their locker and leave unneeded books behind. When students anticipate a heavier load because of anticipated projects for the upcoming week, be certain to help them arrange the load so that it is evenly distributed and comfortable to lessen the strain on the musculoskeletal system. In addition, help the child tighten the straps as this prevents shifting. I was amazed last year when my sixth-grade daughter came home with 22 pounds in her backpack. She weighs about 80 pounds, so she had clearly violated the 10 to 15 percent rule. It can easily happen, so parents must monitor this closely. Backpack safety has become a healh care initiative and prevention is important. From an early age, spine and musculoskeletal heath must be addressed. Failing to do so may lead to a lifetime of chronic pain. If you have questions or your child is experiencing neck, shoulder, and back pain, you may want to seek medical attention. |
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