With back-to-school on the minds of kids and teens everywhere, little thought is given to the backpack – beyond maybe what it looks like! Read on for a little lesson on proper backpack wearing that might save you and your kids a real pain in the neck … and back!
Back pain is not just for grown-ups. Would you be surprised to hear that teens, children, and even babies can experience back pain? In fact, 50% of adolescents report that they have experienced it! Improper backpack use can lead to neck, shoulder, arm, and low back pain. So make this school year a healthy one with a few quick tips for healthy backpacking!
A backpack with two padded, adjustable straps is best. Avoid single strapped bags. A bag should weigh no more than 10-15% of a child’s weight, so pack only what is necessary for that day. When packing a bag, place the heaviest items closest to the child’s body, with lighter or oddly shaped items placed further away. A bag with several compartments can help make this easier. When wearing a backpack, adjust the straps so they fit snugly around the shoulders and use both straps. A backpack with a waist belt is ideal and really helps support the load. Finally, if a child complains of neck, back, shoulder or arm pain, get it looked at promptly to avoid ongoing problems.
