Did you know, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are more than 6,500 emergency room visits each year by children ages 5-18, which stem from injuries related to heavy backpacks or book bags. Additional research further shows that by the end of their teen years, nearly 60% of children experience at least one low-back pain episode. Backpack loads are responsible for a significant amount of back pain in children, teens and college students. As children go back to school here are some helpful tips to help prevent any unnecessary back pain.

• Children should never carry more than 15% of their body weight in a backpack. That means that a child who is 60 pounds should not carry a backpack full of books that is heavier than nine pounds.
• The backpack should have padded shoulder straps, as the non-padded ones put extra pressure on the child’s neck and shoulders.
• Children should be using both straps when the backpack is on their back, not using just one strap over one shoulder as we so often see. This can cause low-back pain and muscle spasms.
• The backpack should never be wider or longer than the child’s torso, and it should not hang more than four inches below the waistline. This can cause the child to lean forward and cause low back and neck pain.
• The backpack should have a padded back to provide extra comfort.
• The backpack should be centered in the middle of the child’s back.
• The backpack should be packed evenly so that it doesn’t put extra strain and stress on one side of the body more than the other.

We know that teachers give homework, and the easiest way for children to get their books and school supplies back and forth to school is to use a backpack. So that’s not changing anytime soon, but you can prevent back, shoulder and neck injuries by following some of these basic instructions. It is also important to remember that a healthy and properly functioning spine will hold up much better to heavy loads. So, remember to bring your child into Upper Cervical Health Centers to have your child's spine checked for proper alignment, especially if they complain of headaches, back, neck, or shoulder pain. Some simple, gentle adjustments can make the difference in their pain, and can keep your child’s entire nervous system functioning in a healthy way. We offer a free spinal check to find out if your child’s spine is in proper alignment. Call Dr. Lee Angle at Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers, FL  today for an appointment 239-243-8810​.