Backpack Tips for Schoolkids and Parents:
A properly fitted backpack can go a long way to help reduce the incidence of backpain and spinal problems – so if you live in the Melbourne area, be sure to bring your child in for a free checkup of his backpack fit – our way of the team and chiropractors at Greensborough Family Chiropractic giving back to the community. CALL us on 03 9432 4644.
Secondly the bag should not be overly weighted down.
As a rough guide of the weight that your child can carry, the load should be manageable for your childs build and strength. The child should not be struggling or experiencing discomfort under the backpack load within several minutes of carrying the pack on their back.
For a growing child generally limit the weight in the backpack to less than 10% of the childs bodyweight. So if your child is 50Kg – then upto 5Kg in the backpack may be manageable.
Inappropriate use of bags and backpacks contribute to acute spinal problems in Australian and overseas children. For example carrying a backpack off one shoulder – contributes to posture problems, shoulder pain and spinal problems.
Below is some research on Backpain caused by Backpacks as reported by “Choice”
- Findings from Australian research are just as disturbing as overseas.
- South Australian studies into the spinal health of more than 2500 school students found about half of them repeatedly reported recent spinal pain episodes.
- Victorian studies found one in three school students suffered significant back or neck pain, often thought to be caused by carrying heavy schoolbags (almost half the students carried bags weighing more than 10% of their body weight, the recommended maximum for growing children).
- Poor posture when carrying a loaded backpack is one of the intrinsic risk factors for spinal problems, and it’s magnified if students repeatedly carry a heavy load, carry it poorly (over one shoulder only, for example) or for too long a time.
- Considering that 60–80% of Australians will experience a back problem at some stage, and that the damage students are doing now may set them up for back problems later in life, it’s particularly important that we look after our children’s backs.
- Providing them with a good school backpack is crucial, but educating them on how to use it appropriately is just as vital.
Ref: http://www.choice.com.au/Reviews-and-Tests/Babies-and-Kids/Fact-sheets/Education-and-childcare/Buying-guide-School-backpacks/Page/Introduction.aspx