Backpack Tips for Back-to-School!!

Northgate Chiropractic Offers
Backpack Tips for Back to School

As you prepare your child to do their best each year, make
sure they don’t become “overloaded”! Studies show that overloaded backpacks are the cause of shoulder and low back pain and poor posture in children, and that heavy backpacks may be a serious threat to spinal development. Follow these tips to help your child carry their load back to school with the most efficiency and the least pain possible!

Choose the Right Backpack:
Choosing a backpack is like choosing shoes—assure a good fit, select heavily padded shoulder straps that fit snugly but not too tight, and ideally, one that has a waist strap. Avoid packs with a single strap.

Don’t Overload:
If the child has to learn forward to support the bag, it’s too heavy! This stress on the spine can lead to a lifetime of back problems. Some weight guidelines are as follows.
Elementary School—Maximum 10% of body weight (50 lb. child = 5 lb. backpack maximum)
Pre-teens and Teens—Maximum 15-20% of total body weight.

Load, Lift, and Carry Properly:
-- Load heavier items close to the body to allow legs to support the weight
-- Face backpack, bend at the knees, lift with the legs, and apply shoulder straps one at a time
-- Use both shoulder straps (one over each shoulder) to keep weight evenly distributed close to the body. Use the waist strap to distribute some weight off the shoulders and onto the hips.

Have Your Child’s Spine Checked:
The consequences of carrying a heavy backpack incorrectly can last with a child their entire life. If you’re wondering about the effect of a backpack on your child’s spine already, or if you want to help avoid future problems, call our office to schedule a free consultation and examination. Bring your child’s backpack for a complimentary backpack fitting and backpack safety lesson!

Plan your trip to Northgate Chiropractic today
For your FREE Consultation and Examination,
With Complimentary Backpack Fitting!