Unbalanced and overbearing backpacks are common with children. These overloaded backpacks are a common cause of the most frequent health problem, lower back pain. Why risk long-term spine damage? Use the following information from your Oshkosh chiropractor for deciding on a correct backpack for your child.

Selecting a Backpack

To begin, find a backpack that supports and prevents stress on the spine of your child. The material and size of the backpack should be light and proportionate to the child’s size. The mistake of purchasing a backpack that can fit more supplies in it than a proportionate backpack can cause long-term issues.

Balancing the weight equally is important, so look for a backpack with numerous pockets. Straps for the waist and cushioned two inch wide straps for the shoulders are a good suggestion.

Packing the Backpack

The backpack should have the weight dispersed equally and should not weigh more than 15 percent of the child’s weight. Items weighing the most should be packed closest to the body. Backpacks that are too heavy will make the child lean forward to compensate for the weight.

Wearing the Backpack

Straps should be tightened to wear the backpack is close to the back. This is another technique in distributing the weight evenly, preventing spine misalignment. Both straps need to be used to prevent excess pressure on one side of the spine. Lastly, demonstrate how to bend your knees to correctly pick up a backpack, and to not twist or bend while carrying it.

Potential Issues

Overuse of an overweight backpack can result in:

• Back and shoulder pain
• Tingling and numbness in the arms
• Poor posture
• Reduction of blood flow
• Head and neck pain
• Distorted natural spine curvature
• Strained muscles

To prevent long-term issues from overweight and oversized backpacks, contact our team at Oshkosh Spine Wellness Center today for preventative care and more health tips to keep your children happy and health in Oshkosh!