FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Dangers of Students’ Backpacks

            October is Child Health Month and one of the most serious dangers to our children is the use of backpacks.  USA Today recently reported on the dangers of children carrying heavy backpacks to school, a growing problem attributed to smaller or no lockers and more homework assignments.  In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 3,300 children aged 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms last year for injuries related to bookbags.

            The article suggested that children should carry no more than 10-20% of their body weight in their backpacks.  Parents should also make sure their kids carry the backpacks correctly.  Ideally, both straps should be used and kept tight to keep the weight evenly distributed across the shoulders.

            Medical professionals, however, advise that individuals carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight on their backs.  For example, a child weighing…

50 pounds should carry no more than 7.5 pounds;

80 pounds should carry no more than 12 pounds;

100 pounds should carry no more than 15 pounds;

130 pounds should carry no more than 19.5 pounds;

150 pounds should carry no more than 22.5 pounds.

Many children are carrying up to 40 pounds and are hurting themselves.

                Today’s heavy loads are causing injuries that last a lifetime.  If children are feeling headaches, neck aches, bad posture, achy and strained muscles, low back pain, muscle spasms, tingling hands, and increased scoliosis complications, they are carrying too much weight improperly.

    Here are some tips from the AirPacks Company for all those who wear backpacks.

ü      Distribute the weight evenly:  Putting the heavier items on the bottom will help to keep the weight off of your shoulders and maintain better posture.

ü      Wear both shoulder straps unless your pack is an AirPacks, which is designed for use on one shoulder.  Lugging a heavy backpack using one strap can shift the weight to one side which can lead to neck and muscles spasms, low back pain, and walking improperly.

ü      Have padded or air-filled straps:  Non-padded will dig into your shoulders and cause pain and injury.

ü      Use a waist belt unless you are wearing an AirPacks bag.

ü      Lift it right. Bend your knees when you pick up your heavy backpack.

ü      TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO SCHOOL!

             According to Dr. Karl Johnson, a Shelby Township chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, “Children are very likely to experience low back pain if the backpacks are carried on one

shoulder or if the straps are too loose and the weight is allowed to rest near the small of the back.”

“We would add to the list of recommendations that children who are carrying heavy backpacks throughout the school year should be under regular chiropractic care,” added Johnson.  “Not only will they be better able to deal with the mechanical stress involved but they will also enjoy the health benefits of a properly functioning body.” 

            For more information on backpacks or to have your child’s back checked for possible injuries from carrying backpacks, call the Chiropractic & Nutrition Wellness Center at (586) 731-8840 or (586) 726-KIDS.

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