As we all finish up our last-minute back-to-school shopping for new clothes, accessories, and school supplies, it’s important to be aware of the impact heavy backpacks have on our children. Kids wear backpacks packed with textbooks and supplies for hours on end, five days a week. It truly does take a toll on kids’ posture and spinal health. In fact, some studies have found that children carrying heavier backpacks have a 50% higher risk of experiencing back pain.
This pattern of behavior is not only painful in the short term but also has serious ramifications later in life. Back pain is a serious matter, so it’s important to avoid bad habits as early as possible. Here are some tips to save your child’s spine this school year.
Limit the Amount of Weight Carried
Studies have shown that backpack weight becomes harmful when it exceeds 20% of the carrier’s body weight. Most experts recommend sticking to 10–15%. So try leaving the heavy textbooks in the locker if they’re not needed for homework. If they are needed, try to place the heavier books as close to the back as possible. If most of the weight is placed away from the spine, the body tends to naturally bend forward to compensate. Over time, this leads to spinal subluxations and can do some real damage to the back muscles.
Get A Rolling Bag
The most significant thing you can do to reduce backpack pain is to eliminate the need to carry large amounts of weight on your back. That’s where rolling bags/backpacks come into play. Students can carry everything they need without having to endure back pain day in and day out.
Best Rolling Backpacks
Here are just a few of the best rolling backpacks you can use to reduce back pain.
