Back-to-School Backpack Safety Tips!

It’s time to start thinking about shopping for those back-to-school supplies and probably a new backpack.  Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy.  However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems for children and teens. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems. 

Look for the following features when choosing a new backpack:
Wide, Padded Shoulder Straps - Narrow straps can dig into the shoulders causing pain and restricting circulation. Look for packs that have wide, padded shoulder straps to prevent pinching nerves in and around the shoulder and neck area.

Two Shoulder Straps – Backpacks with one shoulder strap that runs across the body can’t distribute weight evenly.

Padded Back – A padded back can protect your child against sharp objects inside the pack,  like rulers, pens & pencils, and textbook corners and is more comfortable.

Waist Strap – A waist straps helps distribute the weight of the contents more evenly. 

Lightweight material – The backpack itself should not add much weight to the load.

To help students prevent injury when using a backpack:

Lighten the load -  No matter how well-designed the backpack, it is recommended that students carry packs of no more than 15% to 20% of their body weight — but less is always better.

Use Both Straps -  Bags that are slung over the shoulder or across the chest — or that only have one strap — aren't as effective at distributing the weight as bags with two wide shoulder straps, and therefore may strain muscles. Also tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body. The pack should rest evenly in the middle of the back and not sag down to the buttocks.

Lifting the Pack Properly - Picking up the backpack the right way can also help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting a backpack to the shoulders.

You may need to adjust your child’s backpack and/or reduce how much they carry if they exhibit any of the following struggle to get the backpack on or off; have back pain; lean forward to carry the backpack.

If your child has back pain or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, please call for a free consultation.  Or visit Priestley Chiropractic any Saturday in August between 9:30 and 11 AM for a backpack safety checkup by Dr. Chris.   

Dr. Chris Wider
Priestley Chiropractic
81 Conklin Street, Farmingdale NY
516-752-1007

http://widerchiropractic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DrChrisWider