Parents, Watch Their Back(packs)!

Every year, children account for over 10,000 backpack-related visits to the emergency department or physicians offices.  These injuries include bruises, sprains and strains, and such chronic problems as persistent back pain.  The daily stress that a backpack puts on a child, can also affect their shoulders, posture, and gait. Unfortunately, most parents do not address the issue of backpack safety, despite these potential problems.

In a Texas study involving 200 children, grades K-5, researchers collected data on the parental knowledge of the children’s backpack weight.  The average weight of the pack was 15% of the child’s weight.  Researchers found that only one-third of students reported that their parents checked the contents of the backpack, and less than 5% ever weighed the backpack.  The backpacks that were unchecked, weighed significantly more than those that were checked. (Archives of Disease and Childhood 2003:88, pp. 18-19.)  Another study noted that the pressure under the shoulder straps was “significantly increased” when the backpack was loaded at 10% of the child’s body weight or higher.  The increased pressure was associated with increased pain, and the authors noted that uneven backpack loads could alter the curvature of the spine and cause back pain. (Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, December 2005; 159:1186-1187.)

So what can we do??

We’ve all seen the kids wearing the cool (Spiderman, Dora the Explorer) backpacks, either slung over one shoulder or worn so low that you can’t see their derrière.  It may look cool, but it is a recipe for spinal injury and pain.  The following are recommendations, based on the studies, for children who wear backpacks:

1. Backpacks should be positioned high on the back.
2. Backpack straps should be worn over both shoulders.
3. Weight of the backpack should be less than 10-15% of student’s weight.
4. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to disperse the pressure.

As parents, we are the best source for backpack safety, and promoting a preventative healthy lifestyle for our children.  Physicians and parents should ensure that backpacks are the proper size, weight, and worn correctly.  If your child should develop or already complains of aches and pains possibly related to backpack usage, have them evaluated by a chiropractor or your family physician.   Let’s help the kids get a healthy start to this school year!!

Dr. John E. Boardman

Boardman Family Chiropractic, P.C.

Dr. John E. Boardman is the proprietor of Boardman Family Chiropractic, P.C. and Ahwatukee Spinal Aid Center, located in Ahwatukee.  He treats children and adults of all ages for a variety of injuries and conditions.  If you have any health questions, he can be contacted at the following: (480) 704-1954 (office), drboardman@spinalaid.com, or visit us online at www.boardmanfamilychiropractic.com.