Backpacks and Your Spine
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Backpacks: Their Effects On The Spine
A backpack with a load that is too heavy causes muscles and soft tissue to work harder, leading to strain and fatigue. This leaves the neck, shoulders and back more vulnerable to injury. Back pain, soft tissue injuries and postural malalignment occurs when carrying backpack loads beyond 10-15% of the child’s weight. Evidence is mounting to establish a relationship between backpack weight and musculoskeletal problems. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 21,000 backpack related injuries were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and physical therapy clinics in 2004. Backpacks: Tips For Use à Wear Both Straps Use of one strap causes one side of the body to bear the weight of the backpack. This is true even with one-strap backpacks that cross the body. By wearing two shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack is better distributed, and a well-aligned symmetrical posture is promoted. à Wear the Backpack Over Mid-Back Muscles The size of the backpack should match the size of the child. It is also important to pay close attention to the way the backpack is positioned on the back. The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of the back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty and permit free movement of the arms. Make sure that the straps are not too loose and that the backpack does not extend below the low back. à Lighten the Load Choose to carry only items that are required for the day. Each night remove articles that can be left at home. When organizing the contents of the backpack, place the heaviest items closest to the back to reduce kinetic forces that cause postural malalignment and overworked muscles. Backpacks: Recognize the Warning Signs
à Red marks on neck, back and shoulders. à Change in posture when wearing the backpack. à Struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack. à Pain when wearing the backpack. à Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands Posturing For Wellness
à Choose the Proper Backpack for You. à Wear Backpack Properly à Lighten the Load à Recognize Warning Signs à Padded Back Reduces pressure on the back, shoulders and underarm regions, and enhances comfort. à Hip and Chest Belts Transfers some of the backpack weight from the back and shoulders to the hips, pelvis and torso. à Compression Straps Straps on the sides and bottom to compress contents and stabilize materials. à Multiple Compartments Better distributes the weight in the backpack, keep items secure, and ease access to the contents. Ergo Backpack Collegiate Backpack Collegiate Junior According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the Land’s End CollegiateTM, Collegiate JuniorTM and the ErgoTM are desirable backpacks because of their padded and contoured shoulder straps, padded backs, multiple compartments, and appropriate size for children and adolescents.
For more information on these backpacks please contact one of our clinics. |
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