Back to School Shouldn't Mean a Backache for Kids

If you are still wondering whether or not to replace your youngster's old backpack, ask yourself this:

Did you know overloaded and improperly worn backpacks can cause long-term health problems for your school-aged child?

Heavy backpacks cause children to shift their posture forward in order to compensate and carry the load effectively. It's because of this postural change that more and more children are complaining of back pain.

Should you stop your kids from using a backpack? No. They're still the best means of carrying one's belongings for long periods of time. However, a backpack needs to be worn properly to reduce low back pressure.

When choosing a backpack for your child, look for the following features:

• Wide shoulder-straps.

• A light-weight material.

• A waist belt.

• Wheel attachments with a push handle

Remember, a fully loaded backpack should weigh no more than 15 percent of the child's body weight. That means a 45-pound child should carry a backpack weighing less than seven pounds. For backpacks with wheels — the handle's height should be at waist level to allow children to push/pull the backpack without bending forward to reach the handle.

To ensure back safety, teach your children to:

• Use proper lifting mechanics. Lift the backpack by bending at the knees instead of at the waist.

• Place the heaviest items in the backpack closest to their back.

• Make frequent trips to their desk/locker to exchange books between classes.

• Use BOTH shoulder straps to distribute the weight across the back.

• Use the waist belt (if the backpack has this feature).

• Push or pull the backpack using the wheels instead of carrying it on the shoulders (if the backpack has wheels.)

Adjusting to a new school year shouldn't include adjusting to a backpack that is too heavy. By following a few precautions you can assure that your child's back to school experience is backache free.

Darnyl DaSilva, PT

Darnyl DaSilva, PT, is a physical therapist at Southcoast SPORT, part of Southcoast Rehabilitation Services.