Choosing a Backpack!

What!! Choosing a backpack!  The children haven't even finished school and I am informing you on how to buy the correct backpack for your children.  Well, there are those parents out there who have all of their school supplies already purchased for September.  Believe me, that is not me.  I am the mom who tries to buy winter boots in December.  I always get laughed at by the sales person.

So this article is for the eager, ahead of the game, super organized parents.  I will write another blog as National Backpack Awareness Day, September 16, 2015 approaches.

Backpack Facts:79 million students in the United States carry backpacks, 55% of students carry a backpack that is heavier than the recommended guideline and 64% of students ages 11 to 15 report having back pain related to their heavy bags.

Buying a Backpack: 

1. Appropriate size- The backpack should be 2 inches below the shoulder and to waist level or just above the waist.
2. Shoulder straps- They should be well padded and always worn on both shoulders.
3. Hip Belt- Make sure it has one.  It takes the load off of the neck and shoulder muscles.
4. Fit- Try it on.  Have your children shop with you so you know it fits.

Loading a Backpack:The heaviest items in the backpack should be closets to the child's back and try to arrange them so they don't slide around.  Try to make the bag balanced, placing equal sized objects in each side pocket.  But the most important thing is the weight of the bag.  It should not weigh more than 10% of the child's weight.  So a child who weighs 100 lbs should carry a bag weighing less than 10 lbs.

Being in practice for over 13 years I have been treating more and more school aged children because of back pain.  Many parents are perplexed, why does my 10 year old have back pain??  Then I ask them about sports involvement, video game playing, injury as a child, backpack weight and general posture. Then the light goes on!  Buying and fitting your child the proper backpack can prevent back issues in the future.

At MTS Chiropractic, we will ALWAYS provide a complimentary backpack assessment.  Any time of year! Stay tuned for our in house Backpack Awareness Day on September 16th.  Call us to book an appointment for your children's backpack  and postural screening!