Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries.

Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles. Carrying heavy items for a prolonged period can worsen posture, causing pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility, and increased risk of injury. This can result in neck soreness, backaches, headaches, and shoulder discomfort.

Parents can play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s backpack safety by encouraging open communication about any pain or discomfort, monitoring the backpack’s weight, and working with the school to make necessary adjustments. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing long-term issues.

To ensure your child’s safety and prevent discomfort, follow these guidelines:

  • Choose a backpack appropriate for your child’s size and look for features like wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist strap for heavy loads.
  • Always use both shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly across the back. Wearing a heavy backpack on one shoulder can impact spinal alignment by causing one-sided stress, compensatory leaning, and weight distribution disruption that is necessary to maintain an upright posture.
  • Tighten the straps to keep the load close to the back and organize items so that heavier items are low and toward the center.
  • Pack light and only carry necessary items for the day to avoid unnecessary strain.
  • Lift the backpack properly by bending at the knees when picking it up from the ground.

If you or a family member is struggling with back pain due to weight bearing, contact us online or call (804) 764-1000 to schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Identifying & Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

Tips to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it often brings its own set of challenges, from financial stress and crowded social events to managing your health and fitness goals. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress and enjoy the season with more calmness and clarity.

Why Do I Have to Retrain my Brain to Rehab my Back?

While low back pain is extremely common, it can be difficult to treat, especially if it’s lasted for a long time. In these cases, research recommends that physical therapy interventions should include aerobic exercise, manual therapy as appropriate, and a specific type of patient education called pain neuroscience education, or PNE.

What is Knowledge Translation?

Most of us have been in a situation where we learn something new at a continuing education course, in a new program, or at an in-service that we want to put into practice in the workplace, but nothing ever happens. This happens a lot with evidence-based practice in healthcare. Clinicians want to help their patients achieve the best outcomes, so they learn about new research and techniques; however, there are many reasons why change is hard.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.