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Usually, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS Long Island in Uniondale see more children and teenagers with back or shoulder pain around the start of the school year. The culprit here is often a heavy backpack.
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Although carrying around a heavy backpack or wearing it incorrectly could lead to sore muscles, there is no data to indicate that it causes scoliosis, a hunchback or any long-term damage.
Doctors warn that all complaints of pain or discomfort should be taken seriously. If a child appears to be struggling with a backpack, Doctor advises parents to look inside it and remove something to make it lighter.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that backpacks should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s body weight. Most families have a scale at home and can use it to weigh the backpack and take out items that are not needed for the school day.
Experts offer additional recommendations when choosing and using a backpack:
• Select a well-built backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. This makes it more comfortable to wear and protects the back from books and other items with sharp edges.
• The backpack should be worn on both shoulders. This helps to distribute the weight evenly without putting excessive stress on one side of the body.
• Tighten the shoulder straps so that backpack is close to the body. This will put less strain on the back.
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• Purchase a backpack with a strap that goes around the waist and encourage kids to use it. This helps distribute the weight balance more evenly.
• The backpack should be organized to make the best use of compartments. Pack heavier items in the middle of the bag.
• Students should be encouraged to use the school locker for storage whenever possible.
• Children and teenagers should bend their knees when lifting or wearing a backpack. They should not bend at the waist.
Kids may get used to the weight of the backpack as their muscles grow stronger. But it’s no fun being in pain, and spending some time to think about backpack safety and engaging in good practices that can prevent problems in the future.
Source: Medindia
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