Protect Your Child’s Back at Back-to-School Time

California Chiropractic Association Alerts Parents to Injuries Caused by Backpacks

With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, the California Chiropractic Association today issued its “Backpack Safety Checklist” to help parents of school-aged children know what to look for and how to avoid back injuries as they select backpacks for the coming year.

“Childhood injuries from backpacks can be avoided by following a few simple, preventive measures,” said Dr. William Updyke, DC, president of CCA. “If parents take the time to choose the right pack and teach their children how to wear it correctly, it will go a long way toward preventing the injuries in the first place.”

A study of 3,498 California students in 2004 found back pain to be highly prevalent, severe and chronic. The study also found a link between backpack weight and back pain.

A loaded backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the child’s weight. However, as many as 55 percent of today’s students carry loads in excess of the recommended limit. The backpack problem is made worse by the fact that so many of today’s children are obese. Not only are they obese, they are also out of shape, making it hard for them to support any extra weight on their backs.

Often the harm caused by backpacks can occur without obvious symptoms.

“Young people may be experiencing only mild symptoms now, but it is likely a precursor to problems like chronic back pain and spine degeneration later in life,” Dr. Updyke said. “Doctors of chiropractic are sounding the alarm about kids’ backpacks because of our expertise in dealing with this type of injury. Parents must be aware of the potential long-term harm caused by backpacks, and help their children take preventive steps now.”

The California Chiropractic Association recommends the following checklist to help prevent backpack injuries.

BACKPACK SAFETY CHECKLIST

When choosing a backpack, look for:
Padded shoulder straps
Padded back
Lumbar support
A waist belt
Multiple compartments
Correct size

How to pack:
Loaded backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of the child's body weight
Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the back

How to wear:
Wear both shoulder straps
Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
Use the stabilizing waist strap
Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
A Guide to Maximum Backpack Weight for Children

Child's weight
Recommended backpack weight when loaded

50 lbs. 7.5 lbs.
80 lbs. 12 lbs.
100 lbs. 15 lbs.
130 lbs. 19.5 lbs.