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The Facts About Backpack Injury
While carrying a backpack to school every morning may seem harmless enough but for students who don't pack or carry their backpacks properly it can lead to painful back and neck problems and long-term medical problems.
It is advised that individuals carry no more than 15% of their body weight on their backs. Medical professionals advise that individuals carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight on their backs.
Example: A child weighing:
"50 lbs. should carry no more than 7.5 lbs.
"80 lbs. should carry no more than 12 lbs.
"100 lbs. should carry no more than 15 lbs.
"130 lbs. should carry no more than 19.5 lbs.
"150 lbs. should carry no more than 22.5 lbs.
Many children are carrying up to 40 lbs. .
PREVENTION is always the first step in finding a solution to a problem, and here are a few tips you can try today.
- Shoulder straps should be well-padded and adjusted so that the bottom of the pack fits close against the lower back.
- A padded hip-support is recommended to help carry the majority of the weight of the pack on the hips.
- Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders, equally distributing the weight of the pack.
- Keep the heaviest items closest to your back and evenly distribute the load on the right and left.
- Lighten the load -keep unnecessary items out of the backpack (CD players, extra binder papers, folders, etc.)
- Use lockers when available to store your backpack and unneeded books. Hand carry the essential books for upcoming classes.
- When using "rolling" packs, use both shoulder straps when carrying the pack, such as up and down steps, on and off the bus, and over rough terrain. Be careful in crowded hallways.
- Some schools/parents have purchased extra copies of school books to leave at home, thereby limiting the number of books required to carry to school each day.
- Buy smaller packs. Just like a purse, the bigger it is, the more room to fill and the more weight to carry.
** AIRPAKS Systems reduces the stress to the user by 80% and lightens the load by 30%**
Dr Jeff is available to do Backpack Safety Workshops for your school, church, community group or moms club
PLEASE CONTACT:
Jeff Cottingham D.C. at (480) 940-4880 to schedule an idividual or group backpack safety evaluation
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