The sight of a child with a backpack strewn over his shoulder or hanging from his back is common during the school year. Too often, backpacks are weighted down with textbooks and other materials and cause pain and injury. School kids of all ages may suffer unnecessary pain unless steps are taken to make the backpack safe.
Target Areas
The typical areas a child will feel pain from carrying a backpack are in the middle or low back, shoulders, neck and head. He will sometimes feel pain all along the spine, as well. Where a child feels pain depends on the size of the child, size and weight of the backpack and how he carries it. A heavy backpack carried over one shoulder will create pain in different areas than a heavy pack worn over both shoulders. Sudden twisting movements or changing direction while carrying a heavy backpack may produce sharper, more acute pain, while prolonged overuse may result in a dull ache in one or more areas. Wearing a backpack with two straps centered on your back will distribute the weight of the pack more evenly than the one-shoulder approach.
Physical Changes
When a child carries a heavy backpack, her body is thrown out of balance and she is forced to compensate in other ways. Sometimes kids are forced to lean forward while carrying the pack to stay balanced, and their shoulders are often rounded. The natural curve of the spine is also disturbed and distorted, which can lead to middle and lower back strain.
Backpack Characteristics
The type of backpack you choose for your child can help reduce the incidence of pain felt while carrying it. Look for backpacks with two, wide padded straps and padded back in a light material. Choose one with a hip strap that comes around for support, if possible. A pack with individual compartments helps to distribute weight more evenly. Adjust the straps of the backpack so the bottom of the pack is about 2 inches above the waist. Look for a backpack that has wheels and a handle like a suitcase if you want him to avoid carrying it on his back altogether.
Loading a Backpack
How you or your child load the backpack also contributes to whether pain will be a factor. Pack the heaviest books or items into the bottom of the backpack, and try to distribute the weight evenly along the bottom. Fill as many of the compartments as you can with smaller items, so the weight is even over the whole pack.
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