My daughter has been complaining about her back bothering her intermittently throughout the school year. It seems to become worse as she gets more school work. I tell her she needs to use both straps to carry her backpack, especially when it is heavy. She won’t because it is, “not cool”. Is this going to do long term harm to her body?
~Just Another Concerned Parent
Just Another Concerned Parent,
Unfortunately most kids only use one strap and it is always the same side, which is why they begin to complain about back pain as the school year progresses. By habitually carrying your backpack over the same shoulder, the body has to compensate for the uneven weight resulting in muscle imbalances, strains, spasms and low back pain. The natural curve of the middle and low back is altered, which affects the alignment of the rib cage causing posture to be changed. This can also lead to problems with the neck and shoulder. She may benefit from physical therapy in order to work on postural re-education and core stabilization. This will improve not only her standing posture, but her sitting posture as well which will help her prevent injury as she gets older. You are absolutely correct in telling your daughter to use both straps of her back pack. This will not only promote proper posture and decrease short term back pain, but it will prevent back issues in the future.