Backpacks have become so extremely heavy in recent years that children are often carrying half of their body weight, or more, in their backpacks everyday.It is important for parents and educators to listen to their children or students and take their complaints seriously. It is not normal for children to complain of bodily aches and pains. If the symptoms are caused by improper backpack use, taking the proper safety precautions should alleviate the symptoms.
The most common injury associated with improper backpack use is termed "Rucksack Palsy." This is pressure on the nerves in the shoulder area causing numbness in the hands, muscle wasting and in rare cases, nerve damage. Other symptoms of improper backpack use include shoulder pain, headaches, neck pain, back pain and hip pain. An improperly carried backpack can weaken neck, mid-back, low back and abdominal muscles. Children have underdeveloped muscles and bones that are susceptible to improper molding due to carrying too much weight.
Backpack safety begins with the weight and size of the bag. The pack should weigh only 15% of your child's body weight. For instance, if your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack cannot weigh more then 9 pounds. It can be no wider than the torso and no longer than from the shoulder to the hip. The backpack needs to have well-padded straps, worn on both shoulders, and fit snug. A loose and low bag can strain muscles between the shoulders. Wearing the backpack on only one shoulder causes the body to lean to one side, which causes the spine to curve in that direction. It also puts strain on the nerves and blood vessels in the shoulder area. Pack the heaviest objects toward the back of the backpack and be sure items will not shift.
It is important to take the time to pick out a correctly sized backpack for your child to use and to ensure they are using it properly. The health of your child's spine depends on it. For more information, our office is sponsoring Backpack Safety Awareness Month in August.
Dr. Elizabeth Trindade Miller is a chiropractor who desires to help people with their physical well being.

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