Is Your Child’s Backpack Too Heavy?

Is Your Child’s Backpack Too Heavy?

As the end of summer vacation nears and the new school year begins, students are preparing for a successful new academic year. Key in the back to school shopping fun is the purchase of backpacks. Is carrying heavy backpacks to school causing health problems for your kids?

Did you know, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are more than 6,500 emergency room visits each year by children ages 5-18 which stem from injuries related to heavy backpacks or book bags. Additional research further shows that by the end of their teen years, nearly 60 percent of children experience at least one low-back pain episode. Backpack loads are responsible for a significant amount of back pain in children, teens and college students.

Nicolette Langley, an 8th grader at Immaculate Heart School recently experienced back pain associated with an ill fitted backpack. She visited Pasadena chiropractor Dr. Kolleen Gregory, D.C. of Focus Chiropractic for relief from her symptoms. Nicolette recalls “Pain started in my neck then went to my shoulder and back and I couldn’t understand why, my mom took me to Dr. Kolleen and she helped me with pain but also taught me back pack safety. My books are so heavy but now I have learned to spread them out and protect my growing spine.”

Common Symptoms of Poor Backpack Loading or Carrying include neck pain, headaches, poor posture, shoulder pain or stiffness.

Here are Dr. Kolleen Gregory’s 5 Backpack Safety Tips to Remember while Backpack Shopping

1.      Choose right: Not too long or short. Proper Size is 75% of the length of your back. Approximately the space between the shoulder blades and waist.

2.      Pack Right: The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15% of your body weight. If your child’s Body weight is 80 pounds, the maximum backpack weight is 12 pounds.

3.      Wear Right: Use both shoulder straps, they should be snug but not tight. Straps should be Adjustable, 1 1/2” wide and padded. Fits well resting on the lower back

4.      Fill Right: Make sure pens and pencils or other sharp object are kept in a safe pocket so they will not poke through and injure you or someone else.

5.      Back Comfort: The backpack should be Comfortable for the child.

Back To School Special:  FREE Children’s Spine Check

Remember to have your child's spine checked for proper alignment, especially if they complain of headaches, back, neck, or shoulder pain. Focus Chiropractic is dedicated to providing you & your family with the absolute best in Family Wellness care and we will provide your child (ren) under 18 or college student a FREE spine check for proper alignment. Contact us today at (626) 449 – 0900 to schedule your Child’s FREE Spine check today.

If you are a school administrator and would like a representative from Focus Chiropractic to speak at your child’s school please contact Dr. Kolleen Gregory, D.C. at (626) 449-0900 or at www.focuschiropractic.net.

About US:

At Focus Chiropractic, Our Focus is Your Health. Focus Chiropractic is a Chiropractic & Pediatric Wellness Office located in Pasadena, CA. We provide Chiropractic Care, Spinal & Postural Screenings, Nutritional Counseling and other chiropractic services. Dr. Kolleen Gregory and Dr. Richard Kachanon are committed to bringing clients better health and a better way of life.  Focus Chiropractic is located at 236 W Mountain Ave Suite #107 Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 449-0900 www.focuschiropractic.net

If you’d like more information about backpack safety please contact Focus Chiropractic at (626) 449-0900 or online at www.focuschiropractic.net