Backpacks are an essential item for school. Did you know there is a right and wrong way to carry one? Lugging around all those books and school supplies can cause discomfort, muscle soreness, and lower back pain if they’re too heavy or are used incorrectly. Lynnae Glascock, clinical coordinator of pediatric therapy at Quincy Medical Group, offers these tips for students.
- A heavy backpack can be harmful to a student’s back. A backpack should weigh no more than 10% of a child’s body weight.
- If they have difficulty lifting their backpack, have pain wearing a backpack, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, or red strap marks on their shoulders, your child’s backpack is too heavy.
- It is important to use both shoulder straps to prevent injury. Choose a backpack with a hip belt too. Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits snugly against the back.
- When packing a backpack, make sure to place heavier items closer to the back center and lighter items in the front. Sharp items should be placed toward the front if possible.
For more information on Pediatric Therapy services at Quincy Medical Group, call (217) 222-6550, ext. 3418 or click here.