![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bonejoint.net\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/backpack-1-22168435_s.jpeg\")
It’s hard to believe that school starts in a few weeks, but it’s true.<\/p>\nIt’s hard to believe that school starts in a few weeks, but it’s true.<\/p>\n
Thousands of children laden with book-filled\u00a0backpacks make their way to bus stops and school buildings every day.<\/p>\n
According to an American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons’ report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 24,300 individuals\u00a0were treated for backpack-related
\ninjuries in 2012. Approximately, 40 percent of\u00a0those injuries occurred in school-aged\u00a0children.\u00a0Remembering a few backpack tips can help you prevent your child from being a\u00a0backpack-injury-statistic this year.<\/p>\n
If your child will be carrying a backpack this year, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your child’s pack doesn’t cause pain.<\/p>\n
1. Use the right-sized backpack for your child.<\/strong>\u00a0For the best support, fit your child’s backpack to\u00a0the weight-bearing\u00a0area of your child’s back. Measure the distance from the\u00a0bone at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades (the C7 vertebrae)\u00a0and the iliac crest at the top of the hip bones. The backpack should fit\u00a0comfortably between those two points.<\/p>\n 2. Make sure the backpack has two, wide, padded, shoulder\u00a0straps.<\/strong>\u00a0Narrow\u00a0straps can create pressure points and cause circulation problems in the\u00a0shoulders and arms. Wide straps distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders and back to avoid muscle strain.<\/p>\n 3. Check the fit. When the straps are tightened, the backpack should be\u00a0positioned close to your child’s back.<\/strong>\u00a0A pack that tilts backward or is carried too\u00a0far away from the back can cause muscle strain.<\/p>\n 4. Reduce back pressure with a padded pack.<\/strong>\u00a0Some backpacks have padding on the surface that is placed\u00a0next to the back. These packs are often more comfortable than unlined packs.<\/p>\n 5. Look for a backpack with several compartments.<\/strong>\u00a0Multiple storage areas help distribute the weight. Extra\u00a0pockets also provide easy access to frequently used items.<\/p>\n 6. Choose a backpack with hip and waist straps. Support and stability are important when the backpack is\u00a0loaded. Hip and waist straps distribute the load and add an extra level of support.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to check the quality.\u00a0If you want to purchase a backpack that will last more than a year, you will need to find one made of sturdy,\u00a0lightweight fabric that is tough enough to withstand the rigors of your child’s school day.<\/p>\n A well-fitting\u00a0quality backpack can still cause injury if it is not packed or worn correctly.\u00a0Whether a backpack carries school books, baby supplies or groceries, it’s important\u00a0to abide by the weight recommendations suggested by the American Academy of\u00a0Orthopedic Surgeons. They suggest people carry only 10 to 15 percent of their body\u00a0weight in a backpack. These weight limits are especially important for young\u00a0children\u00a0since their bones are still growing.<\/p>\n To further reduce the risk of back strain, pack the heaviest items closest to the back\u00a0and in the bottom of the backpack.<\/p>\n Backpacks should be worn on the back using both shoulder straps. Slinging a heavy backpack over one\u00a0shoulder may cause your child to lean to the side. In addition to being off balance, As your child comes home from school or heads out to the bus, observe your child’s behavior. Does your child:<\/p>\n Backpacks that are too heavy can cause back strain. If your child experiences back pain, you may want to lighten the load your student is carrying, If your child’s back doesn’t feel better within two weeks, you should contact an orthopaedic specialist at the Bone & Joint Center.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It’s hard to believe that school starts in a few weeks, but it’s true. Thousands of children laden with book-filled\u00a0backpacks make their way to bus stops and school buildings every day. According to an American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons’ report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 24,300 individuals\u00a0were treated for backpack-related injuries in 2012. Approximately, 40 percent of\u00a0those injuries occurred in school-aged\u00a0children.\u00a0Remembering a few backpack tips can help you prevent your child from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,35,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-neck-back","category-pain-management","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bonejoint.net\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/backpack-2-girls-43145987_s.jpeg\")
Choose a backpack that’s built to last?<\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bonejoint.net\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/large-backpack.png\")
Pack and wear the backpack to avoid injury.<\/h2>\n\n
\nyour child is at risk of straining back, neck, and shoulder muscles.<\/p>\nIs the backpack too heavy for your child?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bonejoint.net\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/one-shoulder-backpack.png\")
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