Between studying, homework and extracurricular activities, going back to school may make kids feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. However sometimes, they literally do. After you pile a lunch, school supplies, binders and textbooks — which typically weigh 1kg each — into your child’s backpack, the load he or she is lugging around could be huge … and also potentially dangerous. School bags are getting heavier and our kid’s necks, shoulders and spines are bearing the brunt.
Apart from the obvious need to reduce the weight of our bags to internationally acceptable standards (10% of body weight maximum) there are also a a number of other factors that we can influence to reduce the risk to our shoulders and spines.
School Lockers
Access to school lockers allows students to store heavier texts during the day and access them only when required. This single factor can reduce bag weight considerably.
Bag Selection
Backpacks are the best option for school bags as they allow equal weight distribution over the shoulders and upper back. They must be worn correctly on both shoulders to achieve this. Tighten the adjustable shoulder straps to keep the weight against the spine and choose a bag that fits the students back. Shape and depth is an important factor to keep the contents of the bag as close to the spine as possible.
Inclusion of a padded waist strap allows weight to be carried through the hips reducing shoulder and neck load. All bag straps should be adjustable and shoulder straps need to be wide enough to distribute the weight.
Packing Backpacks
Heavier books and items need to be packed as closely to the spine as possible. And preventing items moving during carriage will help to reduce the stress on the shoulders and back.
Addressing the problem associated with backpacks is an important factor in protecting our children’s spines for the future.
References
Mike Stewart Physiotherapist -New Zealand Physiotherapy Blog
Dr. Rob Danoff-US Osteopath Family Physician
