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Backpack Safety for Kids
As the beginning of the school term is fast approaching for all school children, there is a sense of urgency regarding the potential injuries our children face when carrying heavy backpacks to and from school. Disturbing trends show that our generation of young children are experiencing back pain and discomfort much earlier in life than previous generations. Backpack safety for kids in Perth is a high priority for our resident chiropractor at Perth Chiropractic.
A recent survey taken by the American Physical Therapy Association showed that more than 50 percent of children carried backpacks which were too heavy and this is also evident through Australian private and public schools. Our chiropractor suggests that many parents and children are not aware of the risk of potential injury carrying heavy backpacks can cause. Backpacks which are overloaded with books and are worn incorrectly constantly add pressure on the spine which results in children leaning forward to compensate for the weight. The result of this bad posture can cause pain to the neck, shoulder or back.
To assist in minimizing these risks, our chiropractor from Perth Chiropractic suggests following some simple rules:
1. Pack your backpack wisely. Ensure that the backpack is cleaned
out regularly of unnecessary items.
2. Children have adopted a bad habit of only wearing one strap
of their backpack, thus shouldering the weight of the pack on one
side only. Teach your child to wear both straps so that the weight
is evenly distributed.
3. Check your child’s posture. If they are leaning over or slouching
there is a possibility that the backpack is overloaded. Remember if
your child displays any signs of pain, numbness or tingling consult
your chiropractor immediately.
4. Ensure that your child has the correct type of backpack.
Important features to look for include multiple compartments to
balance out the weight evenly; 2 wide (padded for comfort),
shoulder straps. Avoid bags that have one strap only, as this will
cause uneven weight distribution and result in bad posture.
Another important factor is to ensure that your child is able to
tighten the straps in such a way so the backpack rests close to the
body and rests accurately in the middle of the back, not balancing
on the buttocks.
5. Teach your child to lift the backpack correctly. Remember to
bend at the knees when lifting and picking it up and use both hands
when putting in on.
6. Chiropractors recommend that children should not carry
bags or backpacks which are more than 10-15% of their
body weight. The golden rule being: less is always better. (For
example, if your child’s weight is 50kg, the backpack should not
weight more than 7kg to avoid strain and injury)
Don’t hesitate to contact our highly qualified and experienced team from Perth Chiropractic at Central City Health Professionals if you have any questions relating to backpack safety for kids in Perth. We will be only too happy to teach you more about correct posture and movement patterns when it comes to your child’s health and well being.
Whether you’re unsure if your child is wearing their backpack correctly or you are worried that your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort from their backpack use, call our chiropractor today for a thorough examination. We can suggest strategies which will help address any issues such as improving posture and developing stronger muscles, as well as teaching your child the most efficient exercises. We look forward to working with you and helping your child back to pain-free activities.
Don’t hesitate to call us - your children’s health
and wellbeing is most important.
Call Perth Chiropractic NOW on 08 9421 1733 today
and let the healing begin.
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