It’s That Time of Year Again. Back To School!

Its that time of the year again. Swim suits are replaced by backpacks and the annual ritual of getting children ready and prepared to return to the classroom begins. One of the most important features of getting back to school, as we all know, is that new shiny backpack. This bag becomes our child’s home away from home.  They carry all of their worldly possessions in these large, cumbersome bags.  As a result, parents want to make sure that their children are carrying what is only needed for school but they do so in a way to prevent injury.

According to the Ontario Chiropractic Association, ‘more than 50 per cent of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by teenage years’.  That’s right.. more than 50 per cent! I don’t know about you, but I find this number to be a lot!  The amount of homework that children are required to complete has increased over the years.  So too has the size and number of books children need to lug back and forth between school and home.  

Over time, this can lead to injury of the spine; including the back and neck.

What can we do about this?  Well, I’m sure kids everywhere would love not to have homework!  Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s an option.  However, we can teach children how to use a backpack properly.

1. Choose the right backpack – Choose a lightweight canvas or vinyl material.  Pick a pack that has two wide, adjustable, padded shoulder straps along with a padded back.  The pack should also have a hip or waist strap and should have lots of pockets.
2. Pack it properly – Make sure your child’s pack only contains what is needed for the day and that the weight is evenly distributed.  The total weight of the filled backpack should not be more than 10 to 15% of your child’s body weight.
3. Put it on safely – Put the backpack on a flat surface, at waist height.  Have your child slip on the backpack one shoulder at a time and then adjust the straps to fit comfortably.
4. Wear it right – Make sure your child uses both shoulder straps and ensure the backpack is adjusted to fit snugly to their body, without dangling to the side.  You should be able to slide your hand between the backpack and your child’s back.

Finally, if your child presents with neck or back pain, don’t put it off.  It’s important to properly assess and determine the cause of the pain/dysfunction by seeing one of our Physiotherapist or Chiropractors.

Don’t put off that pain, let one of our Health Professionals help you now!