Backpacks: What Every Parent Should Know

For most students, back to school is a time marked with excitement? and a trip to the store for a new backpack. Though these bags are typically chosen as a fashion statement, rather than for proper function, scientific research reveals an alarming danger associated with improper childhood backpack use. Not only do overloaded backpacks promote falls in students who wear them, they contribute to the growing health epidemic of back pain seen in our country.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 12,700 emergency room visits in 1998 for backpack related injuries. Research also indicates that 60% of youth experience at least one low-back pain episode before reaching adulthood. These early childhood injuries contribute to the more than 19 million doctor visits each year for back pain that are documented by the US Department of Human Health and Services. Why are backpacks causing so many problems? Students who carry packs weighing 25% of their body weight show balance problems while climbing stairs or opening doors, which increases their chance of injury and falls. Also, repeatedly hauling a heavy backpack may cause serious postural misalignments. This can trigger a condition called the vertebral subluxation complex. This is a condition marked by spinal bones (vertebrae) that are out of alignment causing compression to the delicate nervous system. This disorder predisposes patients to a number of health problems, including back pain, headaches, respiratory problems and osteoarthritis. Studies also show that backpacks affect the discs, or cushions, between spinal bones and can be a contributing factor for disc herniation, or “slipped” disc.
Here are some simple tips to help your children avoid backpack injuries:

1. Choose a pack with wide, padded shoulder straps.
2. Look for packs with a waist or chest strap to help evenly distribute the weight.
3. Look for backpacks with a built in back support.
4. Consider the weight of the backpack empty. Remember, a leather backpack will be heavier than canvas. Also, an empty roller bag can weigh 80% more than a traditional backpack. You must be just as careful not to overload a roller pack.
5. Always use both straps instead of slinging it over one shoulder.
6. Make sure the backpack is not too heavy. A loaded backpack should not exceed 15% of the child’s body weight. This means a 70 pound child should not carry more than 10 pounds on their back.
7. Be very careful when lifting and positioning the pack.

The last, and most important rule for avoiding injury is to listen to your child. If they complain of shoulder, neck or back pain, or if they tell you their backpack is hurting them, their pack should be evaluated. Chiropractors are healthcare practioners that specialize in locating and correcting vertebral subluxation complex. Through a simple and painless procedure, they can correct this disorder and restore your child’s nervous system function. Should you have any questions or if you need further information on this subject, contact Dr. Christy Agren at Chiropractic Life Center, 380-0477 or visit our website www.chiropracticlifecenter.com.

Other resources: www.icpa4kids.com or www.backpacksafe.com.