What is the correct
and safe way to wear a backpack?
As the summer comes to an end, the excitement of returning
to school is in the air. Everyone knows that one of the best ways to prepare
for the new school year is by filling your brand new backpack with all your new
supplies. While a backpack is a necessity for most students, wearing it
incorrectly can lead to pain and discomfort, or worse, postural deformities.
When worn incorrectly, backpacks can cause rounded shoulder posture, tingling
into the arms and hands, aching shoulders and back, and weakened muscles. The
following tips can help prevent pain and discomfort for your child:
- A backpack should only weigh 10-15% of your child’s body weight.
- The heaviest objects should be loaded closest to the child’s back, and items should be organized to prevent sliding and movement.
- Check to make sure that the items your child is carrying to and from school are necessary.
- A book bag on wheels is a great option if your child is consistently carrying a bag that is too heavy.
- Always wear both shoulder straps. Wearing one strap can result in depression of one shoulder, and eventually a curvature in the spine resulting in pain.
- Shoulder straps should be worn tightly to prevent from pulling the child backwards, which can cause muscle strain.
- Shoulder straps should be wider, narrow straps can result in decreased circulation, or effect the nerves.
- A large, heavy backpack can alter a child’s gait, especially if smaller, resulting in a higher risk of falling.
- A backpack with a waist belt can help distribute weight more evenly.
If your child begins to complain of pain in the neck,
shoulders, back, or arms, check the size and weight of their backpack. If pain
and discomfort continues, make an appointment with your physician or schedule a
complementary injury screen at TheraCORE Physical Therapy.
No comments:
Post a Comment