Improper Backpack Usage Leads to Injuries in Kids and Teens

We often associate benign back pain with poor posture while working, sitting and lifting objects. While the earlier statement is true, little did we know that the way we insult our back starts very early in life. In fact the insult start as early as the time we started going to the kindergarten. This is because recent studies have clearly demonstrated that improper backpack usage leads to injuries in kids and teens. The populations most at risk are younger kids and girls as they tend to be smaller built and thus carry loads that are inappropriately heavy for their body size.

So what are the signs and symptoms that the backpack is way too heavy for your child? I am sure that we do not need to be a scientist to figure out the answer for this question, just as we become preoccupied with our daily chores and obsessions to give the best to our child, we often neglect simple things like that. Pain is a way our body tries to tell us that something is wrong, so if your child complains about pain in the back, do not simply ignore it or assume it as a lazy excuse of not going to school. The other sign is the straps of the bag that appears to excavate into the shoulders. This will surely interfere with the blood circulation and the nervous system, causing a sense of tingling sensation in the arms and hands. Other more subtle signs include having to lean backwards just to get the backpack on to the shoulders and then having to lean forwards again just to get up and start carrying the backpack, walking with the body hunch forward or leaned to one side.

So having identified that your child maybe struggling to carry the backpack to school, what can you as a concern parent now do to rectify the situation?

1) Help or Teach Your Child To Plan His/Her Load

This is one of the reasons the daily timetable was design and put into usage. Pack only books that will be use for classes tomorrow. Do not let your child get into a habit of throwing all the textbooks into a bag and carrying them daily to school even though they will not be use. To give you a rough idea, the backpack your child carries should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent of the bodyweight of your child.

2) Choose The Right Bag

If you can afford it, get a good backpack for your child. It may cost more in one go but in the long run, high quality backpacks may also last longer. Choose backpacks that come with two shoulder straps instead of one. In fact, many backpacks on the market nowadays have slightly inflated, broad straps which will offer more support and comfort. Some backpacks also offer a detachable waist strap (exactly like the waist strap found on the life jackets) which will help with the weight distribution. Of course, now the latest trend appears to be bags that are attached with wheels. This type of bag actually looks more like the mini version of the bulky luggage bags which we pull along during our vacation. With this type of bag, our children may never need to carry their backpack again but if the class in on the top floor, carrying it up the stairs can be even more difficult than the conventional backpack especially if it is fully loaded.

3) Use The Locker

If your institution charges for the locker, then it may still be a small price to pay for protecting the spine of your child in the long run. Advice your child to make frequent trips and make full use of the locker by bringing only textbooks that will be used for the morning session. Textbooks that will only be used after the recess can be kept in the locker initially and pick up later during the break.

4) Pick It Up The Right Way

All those previous advice would not be of any use should you not teach your child how to pick up heavy loads the proper way. As with lifting of all heavy weights, you should bring your body as close as possible to the weight and bend down to lift it up. There are two ways to do this. The first one is to simply bend your knees, then slide both straps of the backpack (located on the chair) over your shoulder. Now use the power of both leg muscles to lift it up. The second way is to first lift the backpack onto the desk before loading it onto your shoulder. By doing so, you may not need to bend your knee to such a great degree as your backpack is now located at a higher position. Also advice your children to carry the backpack with both straps instead of trying to be stylish by carrying it with only one shoulder strap.

Last but not least, get your child to exercise and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Aim for activities that strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles. The stronger these muscles, the lesser chance of sustaining injuries.