Back to School Spine Health

Posted on Aug. 08, 2018

Back to School Spine Health

Back-to-School time means backpack time! Your child’s backpack could potentially cause back pain and health problems if worn incorrectly or too heavy. Here are a few tips for making sure your child stays pain free this school year.

1. Choose the right size backpack. A backpack that is already heavy on it’s own isn’t a wise choice. Make sure the backpack isn’t wider then your child’s torso and doesn’t hang too far beneath the waist. A backpack should not weigh more then 10% of your child’s body weight.

2. Wear it properly. Many kids wear the one strap or have their backpack straps hanging low. This is very dangerous and you should teach your child to wear two straps and have them tight enough so that the backpack is less than four inches from the waist.

3. Bring only the necessities. Many times a backpack will become full of lots of stuff that isn’t needed for that day of class. Only bring what you need for that day, any books, homework, supplies, lunch etc. Keep heavy books and other things that aren’t needed at home or in a locker. If you have a locker, keep textbooks and supplies there and stop off often between classes.

4. Make sure it is comfortable. Buy a backpack with padded backs and shoulder straps and make sure they are being worn properly. Pack the heaviest items closest to your child’s back.

If you have any questions on if your child's backpack is right for them, bring it in during your next visit and our Providers will check it for you!