The new school year is just around the corner and it’s time to start your back-to-school shopping. We’re sure that one of the items on the long list of must-have supplies is a backpack. It is important that you are equipping your child(ren) with the correct backpack and are making sure the pack is being worn properly. When a backpack is ergonomically friendly, this will limit the stress and discomfort that wearing a backpack can create. Do you know how to find the right kind of backpack for your child?
Choosing the right backpack:
Choose the proper size: The size of the backpack should be similar to the persons torso – as in a small child should not be wearing an adult-sized backpack. Make sure your child’s posture does not change while wearing the pack.
Choose broader straps with padding: With a broader strap it means that the weight of the pack itself is distributed more evenly across the shoulders which will protect them from excessive stresses in small areas. Added padding will increase comfort – the padding should be made out of a foam and should rebound back to its original shape when pinched.
Make sure the straps are adjustable: This will ensure that you can change where the pack sits on your child’s back. Ideally it should be sitting at or just above the waistline, and both straps should be even in length. However, keep in mind that your child should be able to easily take off and put on the backpack.
Pockets, dividers, and other slots in a backpack are ideal: This will help distribute the weight of the backpack better, especially when the pack is loaded properly, and both straps are worn simultaneously.
Test before you purchase: Bring some items that you would usually keep in your backpack along with you to the store, this way you can test out how comfortable and easy to use the backpack is before you buy it.
Other things to keep in mind:
· Both straps of the backpack should be used at all times to limit strain to one shoulder in particular.
· When packing, place the heavier items deep in the backpack closer to the wearers back than lighter items.
· Keep the contents of the backpack at or below ~15% of the user’s weight. For example, a 100lb child shouldn’t be carrying more than 15lbs.
· When wearing the pack, the user should be sure to lift with the knees. Bending at the waist may cause the pack to shift up towards the head which may cause injury!
It is important to keep in mind that although these modifications can be made to your child’s backpack to reduce pain, the pain may be being caused by an underlying spinal issue and not the pack itself. Make sure your child is seeing his/her chiropractor regularly to keep their spine healthy and strong!