How Heavy School Bags Can Affect Posture

Do your children complain of back pain or have to adjust their backpacks often? Chances are, their packs are too heavy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child’s backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of his or her body weight. Heavy backpacks can cause posture problems, and in extreme cases, may lead to permanent skeletal damage.

In this post, we discuss the effects of heavy school backpacks on posture and offer some tips for preventing backpack-related injuries.

When children wear heavy backpacks, they often compensate by bending forward at the hips. This can lead to an increased curvature in the lower back and can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, heavy backpacks can cause children to round their shoulders, which can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems later in life.

What Steps Can You Take To Protect Your Child?

Here are some tips for preventing backpack-related injuries:

1. Help your child choose the right backpack. Look for a backpack with two wide, adjustable straps and a padded back. Avoid backpacks with one strap or those that hang low on the child’s back.

2. Pack the backpack properly. Encourage your child to use all of the compartments in the backpack, and distribute the weight evenly. heavier items should be packed closer to the child’s back.

3. Lift the backpack correctly. Teach your child to bend at the knees when picking up a heavy backpack, and to avoid twisting when putting it on or taking it off.

4. Check the fit often. As your child grows, make sure that the backpack still fits properly and adjust the straps as needed.

By following these tips, you can help prevent backpack-related injuries and ensure that your child has a healthy spine.