Can Your Child's Back Pack Cause Pain?

As the school year continues, children in the Hazleton Area School District, are attending classes with their backpacks filled with books, supplies, and electronics. While these backpacks are essential for their education, they may also inadvertently lead to pain and discomfort. At Eyerly Chiropractic Offices, we are committed to educating parents about the potential risks associated with heavy backpacks and how chiropractic care can help alleviate related issues in children.

Understanding the Risks of Heavy Backpacks

Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor for some. This back pain trend among young people isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks—often slung over just one shoulder. Surveys show children today carry everything from books, laptops and school supplies to sports uniforms, shoes and water bottles in their backpacks at any given time.

One study examining the impact of backpacks on children found that over 70% of children surveyed had a backpack that exceeded the recommended 10% of their body weight. Of these children, 32% complained of back pain.

Another study on backpack weight and schoolchildren’s posture showed that head and spinal posture were affected by backpack weight, with heavier backpacks causing a child’s head and spine to bend farther forward.

Signs Your Child May Be Affected

As a parent, it can be challenging to determine if your child's backpack is doing more harm than good. Look for signs of discomfort when they wear their backpack, including:

• Slouching or leaning forward when walking
• Difficulty putting on or taking off the backpack
• Complaints of shoulder, neck, or back pain
• Frequent changes in how they wear the backpack

It’s crucial to address these issues early. Pain in the back or shoulders can persist and develop into more significant problems if not treated properly.

As Parents, What Can You Do?

The following tips can help with choosing an appropriate backpack and how the child should wear it:

• Make sure your child’s backpack, when packed, weighs no more than 10 percent of their body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward to support the weight on the back, rather than the shoulders.
• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
• A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back. -Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
• Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.
• Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can fit to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle, causing spinal misalignment and pain.
• If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books or items at school and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
• Roller packs—or backpacks on wheels—should be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. They present their own risks if they clutter hallways, potentially resulting in dangerous trips and falls.

Chiropractic Care for Kids

Chiropractors, like those at Eyerly Chiropractic Offices in Hazleton, PA, can play a central role in ensuring your child’s spine remains healthy, promoting good posture, and alleviating discomfort caused by wearing heavy backpacks.

Chiropractic care for children focuses on spinal adjustments that promote proper alignment and overall wellness. Some of the benefits include:

1. Improved Posture: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help children develop better posture, making it less likely that they will experience pain from their backpacks.

2. Pain Relief: If your child is already experiencing discomfort, a chiropractor can provide pain relief through gentle adjustments and therapeutic exercises tailored specifically for kids.

3. Education on Proper Backpack Use: Chiropractors can educate both parents and kids on how to pack backpacks correctly. Distributing weight evenly, using both shoulder straps, and adjusting the straps to fit snugly can significantly reduce strain.

4. Preventive Care: Regular chiropractic check-ups can help ensure your child's spine is developing correctly and can catch any emerging issues before they become problematic.

Final Thoughts

It's essential for parents in Hazleton, PA, to be proactive about their children's spinal health. At Eyerly Chiropractic Offices, we believe in a holistic approach to your child’s well-being. If you suspect that your child’s backpack could be causing pain or if they show any signs of discomfort, consider scheduling an appointment with us. Our team is dedicated to helping children maintain healthy spines, so they can embrace learning without the burden of unnecessary pain. Invest in your child's spinal health today, and set them up for a pain-free future!

References

1. Chen Y-L, Mu Y-C. Effects of backpack load and position on body strains in male schoolchildren while walking. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(3): e0193648. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0193648
2. Perrone M, Orr R, Hing W, Milne N, Pope R. The impact of backpack loads on school children: A critical narrative review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(11):2529. Published 2018 Nov 12. doi:10.3390/ijerph15112529
3. Spiteri K, Busuttil ML, Aquilina S, Gauci D, Camilleri E, Grech V. Schoolbags and back pain in children between 8 and 13 years: a national study. Br J Pain. 2017;11(2):81-86. doi:10.1177/2049463717695144