Back to School!
School bags are so important but why does it matter?
Many studies show that around 30% of school age children
have back pain or neck pain.The style of school bag used and
some practical tips on reducing stress on the spine may reduce
the likelihood of this. Excessive load bearing for long periods
on immature spines could put children at increased risk of
future back problems in adulthood.
How much is too much?
It is generally accepted that school children should not be
carrying more than 10% of their body weight. An average
eleven year old may weigh around 75lbs (34kg), 10% is 7.5lbs
(3.4kg). This equates to as little as three medium sized books
and a lunchbox.
Design of school bags
It is recommended that school bags are one of two types. They
can be a ‘cross-body’ bag (as shown on front) with a wide
padded adjustable strap or a rucksack type with two wide
padded adjustable straps and ideally a waist belt to take some
of the load. In both cases the bag should be worn correctly, not
suspended from one shoulder or carried in the hand. The
straps should be tight enough to hold the bag close to the
body. Also the school bag should be appropriate to your child’s size!