HOW DO WE DETECT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS EARLY? LOOK OUT FOR SOME OF THE COMMON TELL-TALE SIGNS:
- Complaints of neck ache and back pain.
- Struggling to lift the bag due to weight of the bag.
- Red marks on their shoulders.
- Headaches at the base of the skull.
- Hands and fingers feeling numb.
- Your child is being pulled to one direction or is leaning forward due to weight of the bag.
TIPS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK IS THE RIGHT FIT:
- Make sure that your child is always wearing both straps rather than just one strap. If a child only uses one strap it could cause strain on the muscles and cause imbalance on posture.
- Select a backpack with individual compartments where the contents are distributed more evenly. Pack heavier objects, like textbooks close to the back and lighter objects in front.
- Encourage children to pack their bag correctly to avoid neck, shoulder and back pain.
- Choose a backpack with wider straps that are padded in order to provide an extra support on the shoulders.
- Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) advises that the backpack should not be more than 10% of their own bodyweight; anything heavier can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain.
- The bag should not hang more than four inches below child’s waist and therefore the straps should be well adjusted and fitted around the shoulders.
- Check your child’s bag regularly and remove any non-essential items as this additional weight could be weighing them down.
- Use a separate bag, which should be carried on their arm, if your child has to carry additional equipment (e.g. for sports or music).
- Your child should bend their knees and pick up their bag with both hands before lifting it towards their shoulders.
If you think your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort it is recommended you visit a CASA registered Chiropractor for a full evaluation of your child’s backpack ergonomics.