It’s that time of year again!
With school starting up, it’s a good time to remind parents to exercise caution about their children’s backpacks, which are often used improperly or are overloaded. It is estimated that annually, some 10,000 school-aged kids across the country visit doctors or the ER with complaints of back-related injuries. When backpacks are worn improperly or are too heavy, students are at a risk for spinal injury. Some simple warning signs:
• Struggling to put on or take off backpack.
• Change in posture or pain when wearing backpack.
• Tingling or numbness in arms, shoulders, or hands.
• Red marks on shoulders from shoulder straps.
Simple tips to help:
• Backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child’s total body weight.
• Wear both shoulder straps for better distribution of weight.
• Choose a backpack with multiple compartments.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom or closer to the back.
Get the school year off to a safe start. And don’t forget to include the backpacks!
Jay Hunt is the Clinical Director of Madison Physical and Occupational Therapy, and someone who has youngsters of his own.
