Proper backpack wear for your child
It’s that time of year again, back to school! Today more than ever, it feels like our kids are heading back to school with 20 lbs of bricks in their backpacks. That can’t be good for their spines… Here are some tips to help support your child’s spine and nervous system health as they head back to school for the year.
Your child’s backpack should weigh less than 10% of their body weight. When their backpack is too heavy, their supporting musculature is not able to carry the load and their spine takes the brunt of the force. This leads to excessive curvature in the upper back (kyphosis) along with other structural changes.
2. Purchase a backpack with well padded, adjustable straps. This helps you child carry their backpack in a secure position on their shoulders without causing discomfort.
3. The backpack should fit snuggly to your child’s back. The more space there is between your child and their backpack, the more stress this places on their spine. Keep that backpack snug against their back by tightening the should straps.
4. Use both straps, not just one. When children carry their backpacks with one strap, it places torsion on their spine which leads to compensation patterns over time.
5. Place the heaviest items closest to your child’s back. When packing their backpack, the heaviest books and items should be placed against the back piece and the lighter items should go towards the front of the backpack. This limits the amount of force transmitted across their spine.
Now that your child has the right backpack, they will be ready to tackle the school year ahead! Follow these 5 easy tips to keep your child healthy and happy so they can enjoy the school year and live their best life!
