Weight and Fit of Backpacks

S.O.S Save Our Students….

From Their Backpacks 

      Some Backpack Facts:

-  The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 3,300 children aged 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms last year for injuries related to book bags.

-  An Auburn University study shows heavy backpacks may be a serious threat to spinal development.  In their survey sample, the average pack was 17%of the child’s body weight.  This is the equivalent of a 150 lb. adult carrying a 26 lb. pack.  67.2% of the children studied suffered muscle soreness, 50.8% back pain, 24.5% numbness and 14.7% shoulder pain.  Studies at Johns Hopkins Children Center also show overloaded backpacks as the cause of shoulder or lower-back pain and poor posture in kids.

-  Back pain in kids is on the rise.  A study published in the journal spine found 6% of 10 year olds complain of back pain, increasing to 10%-15% for 12 year olds.

-  University of Michigan researchers estimate that up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18.

-  The risk of spinal damage is such a concern to the Education Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, that in 1996 they imposed weight limits on book bags after finding that most half of primary school pupils were carrying bags weighing more than 6 pounds.

-  More than 5 million adult Americans are sidelined from work each year due to chronic back pain.  How many of these problems started in youth?

 

What can you do?

      Make sure that your child’s backpack is not harming his/her overall spinal development and posture.

1.     Choose The Right Backpack.

Put as much thought into buying your child’s backpack as you do their shoes.  Assure a good fit.  Look for heavily padded shoulder straps (which should fit snug but not too tight), bags that don’t hang too low down the back and, ideally, a waist strap.  Avoid packs or bags with a single strap.

2.     Don’t overload the backpack

If the loaded backpack causes the child to lean forward to carry it, it’s too heavy.  This stresses the spine, which can lead to a lifetime of health problems.  For elementary school ages, maximum weight is 10% of total body weight.  That means that a 50 lb. child should not carry more then 5 pounds.  For pre-teens and teens, the maximum should be 15% to 20% of total body weight.  Put heavier items at the top of the pack closest to the body (to allow the legs to help support the weight).

3.     Lift it Properly.

Face the backpack.  Bend at the knees.  Use both hands and check the weight of the pack.  Lift with the legs.  Apply one shoulder strap and then the other.

4.     Carry it the right way

Use both shoulder straps.  (Make sure kids understand that this means one strap over each shoulder.)  This keeps the pack close to the body and distributes its weight evenly across the back and shoulders.  Use the waist strap, too, to distribute some of the weight to the pelvis and hips.

5.     Have your child’s spine checked, if You’re Wondering.

The consequences of carrying heavy backpacks are not something people think about until it’s too late.  If you’re wondering about the state of your child’s spine, our office will be glad to do a complimentary spinal screening.  Just call Unlimited Wellness Institute (702)920-6556 to arrange a convenient time.