Could Backpacks Be Causing Back Pain in Atlanta's Children? Part 2

Continued from part 1

Children carrying heavy backpacks on their shoulders suffer from incorrect spinal postures. Some children bend forward and cause neck strain as well as mid and low back strain. However, some children bend backward due to the weight of carrying massive backpacks. Children that are forced to bend backward from the weight could be at risk for stress fractures of the spine. Another problem arises when the straps on the backpack are very thin. Some children suffer from injuries to the shoulders and neck, as the straps of the heavy bag press into the shoulders.

Warning signs that a backpack is too heavy

Complains of back pain

Shifts posture frequently

Leans forward too far

Neck and head in improper position

Leans backwards or side to side

If you notice your child shifting his/her weight frequently, complains of back or neck pain, or leans side to side when carrying a backpack, it is a sure sign the pack is too heavy.

How to protect your children from injuries from carrying backpacks

The first a parent should do is help the child pick out the right type of backpack. It should have cushioned shoulder straps that will help to distribute the weight of the bag over the shoulders.

The shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the bag rests in the middle of the back, so that the child's center of gravity won't be thrown off balance.

Pick a backpack with a waist belt; this will help to distribute the weight of the bag onto the hips, and not just on the back.

It would be a good idea to buy your child a backpack that has wheels, so that if it feels heavy to your child, he/she can take it off and roll the bag on its wheels. This will surely help to relieve pain and stress in the back and neck muscles.

It's not surprising that so many young children in the Atlanta area are being treated for back, neck and shoulder pain, considering they carry about a third of their body weight on their backs. This problem isn't only seen in Atlanta; children all over the United States are being treated by physicians and chiropractors.

Sources:

http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/october06/backpack_too_heavy.html

http://integralchiropractic.com/index.php?newsletters=969