School Bags and Spinal Health

Fashion can often get in the way of health when it comes to choosing the right backpack for our children to carry to school. Here are a few tips on choosing not only the right bag, but also the right way to carry that backpack to reduce the chance of spinal damage.

• Choose a backpack with 
• Broad should straps that are padded and adjustable
• A padded and stiff surface that will be in contact with the child’s back
• A waist strap to keep the bag firmly on the spine and to distribute weight evenly on the hips (this will actually make the load feel lighter)
• Width of the bag to not exceed chest width
• Lowest point of the bag to sit no lower than the hollow of the lower back

•  When packing the backpack, ensure  
• The child never carries more than 10% of their body weight
• They wear their bag over both shoulders
• Pack heaviest items closest to their back
• Pack only what they need for that day

You can learn more about backpacks and spinal health from the Chiropractor’s Association of Australia at http://www.chiropractors.asn.au.

Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oo342IhzH8 to see what Dr Joe Ierano had to say to Channel 7 on the subject of backpacks and spinal health.

 

*Image courtesy of www.chiropractors.asn.au