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SPRINGFIELD – As the new school year approaches, physicians at Mercy Health are raising awareness about the importance of proper backpack use to keep children from getting injured.

While backpacks are a back-to-school staple, an overloaded or improperly worn backpack can lead to significant health issues.

“When used properly, backpacks are an effective and necessary way for kids to carry their school supplies,” said Jenna Christello, Supervisor for Mercy Health – Springfield Pediatric Rehab. “However, back pain is one of the most common complaints in pediatric orthopedic patients. Following some simple backpack safety tips can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of back pain in children.”

Backpacks that are too heavy or improperly worn can cause various problems, including:

• Straps that are too narrow and lack padding can put extra pressure on the shoulders and neck, causing tingling and numbness in hands and arms.

• Large backpacks can make a child off balance and can cause them to be clumsy, increasing the risk of falls and collisions.

• Carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder can cause muscle imbalance and result in muscle strains.

• Wearing a heavy backpack improperly can lead to poor posture and chronic pain.

It’s important when shopping for the right backpack to find one that’s both comfortable and accommodating to the child’s size and physical abilities. Style should come second to finding the right fit.

“Try and choose one that’s made of lightweight material and has wide, padded straps and a padded back. If you can also find one that has multiple compartments in it, all the better, as that allows the weight to be more evenly distributed within the backpack.”

Bags that are worn too loose or too low can cause poor posture and unwanted back and neck pain. Make sure to tighten straps to keep the bag close to the back, being worn so the bottom of the backpack aligns with your child’s natural waist.

What you put in the backpack also matters. A good rule of thumb is for parents to make sure their child’s backpack is no more than 10% of a child’s body weight. For instance, a child weighing 80 pounds should not carry a backpack heavier than eight pounds.

“For the smaller kids, it’s closer to 5% of their body weight. Regardless of the recommendations, if your child can’t lift their backpack or put it on by themselves, that’s an indicator that it is too heavy,” warned Christello.

For rolling or trolley backpacks, the weight limit is 20% of the child’s weight. It’s also a good idea to check your child’s backpack regularly and help remove any unnecessary items so they’re only carrying around their essentials.

If for whatever reason your child does become injured, Mercy Health offers a variety of head, neck, and spine care options. Head to mercy.com today to learn more.

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Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country.

Info from Mercy