Back How Heavy is Your Child's Backpack? © Copyright 2003-2007 Dr. Krisjan M. Gustavson. Please ask permission to reproduce. Here's a simple & inexpensive solution to a common problem… If you take a moment to look into your child's backpack, you may find a couple of textbooks, a notebook, gym clothes, lunch, etc. It all adds up to back strain. Kid's today carry heavy school loads, and these equal heavy back loads. Although the packs may be too heavy, your child may be reluctant to forego the convenience offered by them. Children often travel a distance to school, then between classes with little time to unload and reload again at their lockers. Dr. Russell Windsor, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon says, "We are seeing students in fourth and fifth grade who are complaining about backaches, fatigue, and physical stress. They just don't have the body strength to remain erect under these very substantial loads, and it puts their skeletons under substantial duress." "Children are carrying far too much weight in their backpacks and improperly: slung over one shoulder," "We're concerned that the damage that is inflicted now will be showing up 30 years later in even more serious back injuries." If your child is going to continue using his or her backpack, consider this advice: Guidelines created by The Canadian Chiropractic Association state that students should carry no more than 10% of their body weight in a backpack. Although backpacks slung over one shoulder may be fashionable, this posture puts further stress on the back and spinal cord. Children should support the pack with both padded shoulder straps to balance the weight and prevent shoulder, neck, and back problems. Better yet, give your children a Backpack on wheels…they look cool, hold a ton of stuff, and reduce and often eliminate neck and back pain and strain!   Back
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