How to Choose and Wear a Backpack Safely

Even though children are smaller than adults and are still in the process of growing, many parents burden them with backpacks that are excessively heavy and poorly balanced. Lower back pain is a prevalent health concern for many Americans, and often, it begins in childhood due to oversized backpacks. To prevent your child from experiencing discomfort, heed the guidance of a Boise ID chiropractor regarding suitable child backpacks.

Choosing a Backpack in Boise ID

The first step is to select a backpack that provides adequate support and does not impose excessive strain on any area of a child’s body. Backpacks for children should be crafted from lightweight materials and sized appropriately for the child. Opting for larger backpacks with the intention of carrying more items can lead to complications.

Seek out backpacks that feature multiple compartments to assist in distributing weight evenly. Look for padded shoulder straps that are at least two inches wide and a waist strap to help secure the pack when making your selection.

Packing the Backpack

When filling the backpack, ensure that the weight is evenly distributed and aim for it to weigh no more than 15% of the child’s body weight. If the backpack is too heavy, the child may lean forward slightly to balance the weight on their shoulders. The heaviest items should be placed closest to the back, and if something is unnecessary, it’s best to leave it out.

Wearing the Backpack

When a child wears a backpack, the shoulder straps should be adjusted to keep the pack snug against the body. This helps distribute the weight evenly along the spine and prevents misalignment. It’s crucial for children to use both shoulder straps to maintain balanced weight distribution. Additionally, teach your child to bend at the knees when lifting the backpack and to avoid twisting or bending at the waist while wearing it.

Potential Issues

There seems to be a misconception that children are not susceptible to the same physical problems as adults when it comes to carrying heavy backpacks. Most chiropractors in Boise ID would argue otherwise, noting that children can experience many of the same issues as adults. Regularly using a heavy backpack may lead to:

• Back and shoulder discomfort
• Numbness and tingling in the arms
• Poor posture
• Decreased blood circulation
• Headaches and neck pain
• Altered natural curvature of the spine
• Muscle strain due to compensation

Utilizing an inappropriate backpack can pave the way for numerous physical issues later in life. If you are uncertain about the best approach or if your child is already exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned, reach out to our team at Advantage Spine and Disc today.