Preventing Backpack Back Strain in Students

Many students are overloaded with books and homework. Their backs are suffering the consequences of carrying all their school supplies in their backpacks to and from school and home. To prevent your child from being injured from their backpacks, you should be aware of some important backpack safety tips.

~Straps

The right kind of straps can make the difference between comfort and pain. The straps should be wide and padded. The back should also be well padded. The padding helps ease the pressure from the weight.

If you're afraid the padded straps won't be enough, you may want to opt for a handle instead. A rolling backpack has wheels and a handle, so the student only has to pull. The student will still need to be able to lift the backpack in the event of stairs or getting on the bus.

Always, always use both straps. This can't be stressed enough. No matter how padded the straps are, if you only use one, the weight isn't distributed properly. Your child may think it looks cool to only use one strap, but stress to them how they will look years later with a curve in their spine.

~Pack as light as possible.

Make sure your child is only carrying what they absolutely need. If books aren't needed for homework or studying, they should be left at school if possible. Most schools have lockers or areas in the classroom for book storage. This goes for notebooks and binders as well.

~Organize the backpack.

Instead of placing everything in one compartment, spread out everything in various compartments. The heaviest items should be placed close to the center of the back. Lighter items can be stored in the side or front pockets to help distribute the weight and make the pack set more evenly on the back.

~Don't slouch.

If your backpack weighs so much your child feels the need to slouch, then it's time to take out a few things. However, if the slouching is simply bad posture, convince your child to stand up straight. Slouching causes more pressure on the back, so not only is the backpack adding excess weight, but slouching is actually making it worse.

You can use the fact that standing straight makes you look better and more confident as incentive to have good posture. Their backs will thank you.

~Alternatives

Non-conventional backpacks are becoming more popular. The above mentioned rolling backpack and the messenger bag are being seen more and more among students. The rolling backpack is safe as long as the handle is at the right height so your child doesn't slouch. Also, the backpack shouldn't weigh more than the child can easily carry when lifting is necessary.

The messenger can be worn over one shoulder or across the chest. Obviously, across the chest is the safest way to wear it, so the weight is distributed properly. You should still look for messenger bags with a padded strap, or at least a portion of the strap should be padded.

Backpack related injuries can be prevented. Some schools and teachers are working to decrease the load students carry. Until the weight is decreased; however, follow the tips above to make sure back strain is one less thing you and your child have to worry about when heading back to school.