Laurelhurst Chiropractic Warns of the Dangers of Overloaded School Backpacks

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 07, 2017 -- School Backpack Awareness Day isn't until September 20, but with most children resuming school in August, Laurelhurst Chiropractic has released information on how to avoid problems related to these book-carriers now. Modern schoolchildren typically keep their books in backpacks, but if the packs are set up incorrectly, it can result in postural problems, back issues, and pain. Therefore, the chiropractors want to make sure that as many people as possible know the safest ways to use backpacks, and not to carry one that’s more than 10 percent of their body weight.

Sheer weight is the biggest source of risk with school backpacks. There is a strong temptation to cram an entire day's worth of books inside, and this leads to overloading. This problem is especially problematic for those in grade school and junior high since bodies of this age just aren’t big enough to carry the weight of all their books on their backs. Even in high school, a few classes with thick books can make it so the combined load is too much if carried all in one body area.

"We suggest that children utilize storage areas on campus when their books aren’t needed, such as lockers or desks. If that’s not possible, split the weight load between the backpack and the arms. Carrying books in one's arms may not seem as convenient, but having all of them on the back causes a bowed posture, back pain, and in extreme cases, can even lead to spinal deformity over time. Grade-school children, with their rapidly-developing bones, are especially vulnerable to lifelong problems from improper pack loading," said Dr. Danielle McCary of Laurelhurst Chiropractic.

Another problem with backpacks comes not only from the pack itself, but the habit of either wearing it all day. This greatly increases the time during which the back is under load, and therefore, increases the chance of injury. Wearing bags incorrectly, like only using one strap, also poses a danger placing an uneven load on the spine. Children should be taught to leave their packs in their lockers as soon as they get to school. There, they should carry just a couple of books at once.

Finally, kids should be extra-careful about their backpacks at the beginning of the school year. After two months of not carrying a pack, their back muscles will have weakened somewhat. To avoid this type of injury, both backpack straps need to be worn and the muscles should be given a chance to re-strengthen before they're expected to carry a full load.

About Laurelhurst Chiropractic

This chiropractic clinic is in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It is home to Drs. Danielle and Phil McCary who provide pediatric and adult chiropractic care five days a week. Visit http://laurelhurstchiropractic.com/ for additional information on their services, hours, and location.

Laurelhurst Chiropractic
2705 E Burnside St. #213
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-4288