Approximately 70% of Australian school children will suffer some form of back pain by carrying school bags. It is generally accepted that a correctly fitted backpack is the ideal type of school bag.
Improper use of schoolbags can cause long-term spinal problems such as muscle strains, distortion of the natural spinal curves and rounding of the shoulders. Parents can minimise the impact of school bags by buying their children a suitably sized back pack and making sure it isn’t too heavy
Schoolbags and back packs become a risk factor when; the school bag weighs more than 10% of the child’s weight, the bag is held on one side of the body or over one shoulder, an incorrectly packed or fitted backpack is used.
The Australian Spine Journal researched the link between back pain in school children and backpacks and found:
An average child’s backpack weight is actually heavier proportionally to that of the legal load-bearing adult limit.
Around 80% of children say that their backpacks are too heavy.
Around 65% report feeling fatigued by the weight of their backpack.
Around 46% reported that they that they got back pain from their backpack.
To reduce the risk factors with back packs it’s important firstly to buy the right kind of back pack for your child. Look for a back pack that’s endorsed by a professional body such as the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia or the Australian Physiotherapist Association.
Make sure that the size of the backpack is suitable or compatible to your child’s size and weight.
Choose a back pack with waist strap so that the weight can be transferred to the hips rather than solely through the shoulders.
Always buy a backpack that has adjustable, padded straps, preferably one that’s made of canvas (as they are lighter than other varieties) and consider a back pack with built-in wheels.
Suggestions when packing the back pack.
Ensure that the back pack weighs less than 10% of your child’s body weight. Pack the heaviest items closest to your child’s back, this will ensure that the centre of gravity remains closest to your child and not causing unnecessary back strain.
Make certain that items packed in the bag don’t move around unnecessarily during transit, this will also upset your child’s centre of gravity and provide unnecessary strain on the back. It’s best to use the compartments in the bag to ensure the contents stay immobile.
Check that the back packs’ shoulder straps are firmly fastened and that the bag sits no lower than the hips. If the backpack falls below the hips it will place unnecessary strain on the back.
The back pack should fit snug against the back. The backpack should not force the child to lean or hunch over, indicating that the back pack is too heavy, fitted incorrectly, or wrongly packed. Make sure that your child understands that the bag must never be carried over one shoulder as this will lead to back pain. Also, demonstrate to them the proper lifting technique: keeping an upright posture and bending only with the knees.
To minimise the weight of backpacks there are some important tips that your children should know. Encourage them to leave unnecessary school books in their locker.
If your child complains that even the necessary items are still too heavy consult with their school teacher.
Photocopy relevant parts of books rather than carrying whole textbooks to and from home.
Regularly empty school bags so that unnecessary items aren’t accidentally carried to and from school.
Regularly ask your child whether the back pack is comfortable and make suitable adjustments to the straps if necessary. If your child does homework with other children they may not need to double up on carrying textbooks.
Lastly, remember to take your child with you when purchasing their back pack to ensure that they are happy with its appearance. If your child is unhappy with its appearance they may feel “uncool” in front of their peers and carry the bag on one shoulder, or carry it incorrectly as a result.
If your child experiences ongoing back pain, neck pain or headaches from a school bag or if you are concerned they have adopted a stooped or uneven posture consult with a spinal care professional such as an Osteopath or Chiropractor.