The modern schoolchild is required to carry a variety of heavy objects to school. Large textbooks, stationary, sports kits and even laptop computers are often a mandatory part of the child’s inventory. Many children carry all these separate things in a school bag, usually a backpack. However, research shows that having this weight on their backs could cause longstanding harm to the shoulders and spine.
According to a study by Dr. Timothy Neuschwander of the University of California, San Diego, published in the latest issue of the international clinical journal, Spine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans show how serious the damage to children can be. This is because two key spinal measurements change as the backpack load increases. Heavier weights cause compression of the intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae (bones of the spine).
In the lower spine, the disc height became smaller (reflecting greater disc compression) at heavier backpack weights. Heavier loads were also associated with increased curvature of the lower spine, either to the right or the left. Half of the children in the study had a significant spinal curve even with an 18lb weight. Most of the children had to adjust their posture to bear the 26lb backpack load.
How Heavy Should a Schoolbag Be?
Many chiropractors across the world are calling on parents to check the weight of their children’s school backpacks. In the Southern Hemisphere, the New Zealand Chiropractor’s Association (NZCA) has advised that bag loads should be limited to less than 10 percent of the child’s bodyweight to help prevent back pain and have placed significant importance on buying the right size bag. This recommendation has been backed up by a survey released by the Chiropractors Association of Australia (CAA) which found that almost half of all children carried bags above the 10 percent recommendation.
In the February 10, 2010, NZ Herald article “Backpacks Weighty Issue for Pupils”, Dr. Simon Kelly, spokesperson for the NZCA said:
“Backpacks are best, but make sure they're not too big or too heavy. Most kids are carrying too much weight in their backpacks. In fact, with large textbooks, sports gear and laptops all in the one bag, the weight kids are carrying often exceeds recommendations for adult weight bearing in the workplace.”
Dr. Kelly advised parents to keep an eye on their children's posture when wearing their backpacks. Also, make sure they carry their backpacks on both shoulders to spread the load and always check that the bag you're buying meets their approval. If it's not cool, they won't wear it!”
Points to Consider When Buying a Schoolbag
- Purchase bags with wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Padded straps help absorb the load while narrow straps can dig painfully into shoulders. Also, look for a backpack with "S" shaped shoulder straps. These will ergonomically contour to a child’s body.
- Buy a backpack with a moulded frame and/or adjustable hip strap. This will mean that the weight of the full backpack will rest on the child’s pelvis rather than their shoulders or spine.
- Be sure the backpack is the right size. The bag should not be wider or longer than the child’s torso (i.e. from the bony bump at the base of the neck down to the top of the hips).
- Choose a lighter material. Consider the weight of the backpack when it is empty. Remember, canvas is lighter than leather.
- Avoid the budget option- cheaper doesn’t always mean best. Don’t try to save money by buying the biggest pack to "last through college." Buy one that is appropriate to the child’s size and one that they approve of.
How to Protect a Child’s Spine from Excessive Bag Weight
- Pack items carefully. Place heavy items so they are closest to the child’s back and make sure they can’t move around. It is important to be balanced in the natural centre of gravity.
- Educate the child on how to carry a bag properly and safely. Make sure the child knows that carrying a backpack over one shoulder will cause back pain and possible injury. On top of that, suggest to children that they use lockers to store unneeded books and sports equipment.
- Consider ongoing check-ups with a reputable chiropractor. If a child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, making an appointment with a chiropractor is a good idea. They can also prescribe exercises to strengthen muscles and advise on posture.
Carrying a bag is an unavoidable part of school life. With the large amount of extracurricular activities and classes which children now participate in, backpacks can become extremely heavy and cause discomfort and pain. However, with some careful research and education, parents can find a suitable solution and ensure that their children remain comfortable, healthy and happy throughout each school day.
Read more about caring for children at Suite101: Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Children
Jennifer Boyes - Jennifer Boyes is originally from the United Kingdom but moved out to New Zealand in 2006, drawn by the healthy, outdoor lifestyle and the ...
