MAC WELLNESS
Backpack Safety from SSM Health Physical Therapy
Is your child’s backpack too heavy? IN A STUDY CONDUCTED BY SPINE MAGAZINE: • 80 percent of surveyed children said their backpacks are heavy. • 65 percent felt their backpacks caused fatigue. • 46 percent said they had back pain due to a heavy load.
IF YOUR CHILD LEANS FORWARD TO CARRY A BACKPACK … IT’S TOO HEAVY! WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Load the heaviest items closest to the child’s back. • Arrange books so they won’t slide around in the backpack. • Check what your child carries to school and brings home; don’t carry things unnecessary to the day’s activities. • If the backpack is too loaded, your child can hand carry a book or other item. • Consider using a book bag on wheels if your child’s school allows it. • Use lightweight alternatives, for example, use pocket folders instead of a three-ring binder. Never let your child carry more than 15% of his or her body weight. This means a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t carry a loaded backpack heavier than 15 pounds.
HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR A BACKPACK: • Both shoulder straps should always be worn. • Choose a backpack with wide, padded straps. • Do not sling the backpack over one shoulder. • The pack should fit snugly to the child’s back. • Adjust the straps so that the bottom of the pack rests in the curve of the lower back. • Don’t bend over, instead squat, using both knees and keep the back in its normal inward curve. • Never let the backpack rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline. • Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one to evenly distribute the weight. If your child complains of chronic neck and back pain, physical therapy can help. At SSM Health Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are trained to integrate strengthening exercises, posture education and manual techniques to help alleviate pain and keep your child moving!
Contact us for more information about the outpatient therapy services offered at SSM Health Physical Therapy, or to schedule a backpack screening!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: SSM Health Physical Therapy - MAC West Clubhouse. Call 314.822.3205 or stop by the clinic for assistance scheduling. We look forward to serving the needs of you and your family! 22 F CHERRY DIAMOND
