Backpack Safety: Protecting Your Student’s Spine
As the school year kicks into high gear, Denn Chiropractic wants to address an often-overlooked aspect of student health: backpack safety. Improperly worn or weighty backpacks may lead to various health issues. Here is some guidance on how to keep your child’s spine healthy and pain-free.
Injuries We See With Improper Backpack Use
Incorrectly worn or very heavy backpacks may cause neck pain and headaches, mid-back and shoulder discomfort, lower back strain, and numbness and tingling in arms (especially when wearing on one shoulder).
These issues have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of digital devices, adding to the overall strain on students’ bodies.
To minimize strain and injury, students should:
- Always use both shoulder straps
- Adjust straps so the backpack sits 2-3 inches below the upper back
- Avoid wearing the backpack too low on the back
- Pack heavier items closest to the back for better weight distribution
Choosing the Right Backpack
When selecting a backpack for your child, consider features such as
- Wide, padded shoulder straps for comfort and even weight distribution
- Sturdy back support to maintain proper posture
- Multiple compartments to distribute weight evenly
- Size appropriate for your child’s body
The bottom of the backpack should rest a few inches above the waistline when worn correctly.
While studies suggest a backpack should weigh no more than 10% of a student’s body
weight, this can be challenging in practice. For example, a 60-pound fourth-grader should
ideally carry no more than 6 pounds. However, school supplies often exceed this limit.
Parents and educators should work together to find solutions like using digital textbooks when possible, keeping extra supplies at school, and encouraging locker use throughout the day.
Tips to Follow For Year-Round Backpack Safety
- Regularly inspect backpacks for wear and tear, especially on straps and zippers
- Adjust straps as seasons change and clothing layers vary
- Remind students to use both straps, even when in a hurry
- Encourage proper packing habits, with heavier items closest to the back
- Periodically check the backpack’s contents to remove unnecessary items
The Role of Chiropractic Care
At Denn Chiropractic, we understand the impact of backpack use on spinal health. Regular chiropractic check-ups help identify and address misalignments caused by backpack strain, provide personalized advice on proper backpack use, and offer exercises to strengthen supporting muscles.
Don’t let backpack misuse affect your child’s spinal health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your student starts the school year on the right track.