Heavy Backpacks In Children Can Result In Back Pain And Other Conditions Later As Adults

Heavy Backpacks In Children Can Result In Back Pain And Other Conditions Later As Adults    

The Weight Of The Backpack Should Be No More Than 15% Of The Child’s Bodyweight    

According to specialists, children carrying heavy backpacks have a higher risk of back pain and other health issues when in adult life. Some children use large backpacks and tend to fill it with school supplies, binders, books, lunch, a thermos. Excessive weigh in the backpack tend to pull the child backward. So, to compensate for the weight, the body moves its shoulders forward. This adds extra stress to the child’s developing core and spine and forces the muscles on the shoulders and upper core. This poor posture can affect the development of the child’s body and may result in back pain during childhood and later, as an adult. To avoid this, the total weight of the backpack should be no more than 15% of the child’s total body weight. This means 8 pounds for a second-grader, 9 pounds for a 4th grader and only 15 pounds for an 8th grader. One suggestion is to purchase smaller backpacks with wider shoulder straps in order to allow a better distribution of pressure. Also, encourage the child to avoid using the backpack on one shoulder, and use both straps on both shoulders. Additional details click here.