From packing nutritional lunches to getting flu shots, there are many ways to keep your kid healthy throughout the school season. However, many parents overlook the importance of backpack safety. How do you know your child has the right size book bag and if they’re using it properly? Improper backpack use can increase the risk of severe back pain. To help you keep your little student healthy and comfortable, here are a few important details every parent should know about backpack safety.

How Do Backpacks Contribute to Back Pain?

Between hefty books, lunchboxes, and other school supplies, backpacks can get incredibly heavy. When they weigh too much, these sacks can place stress on the spine. Over the school year, the pressure may cause vertebrae to become misaligned, resulting in painful muscle tension and pinched nerves.

Book bags are designed to help distribute weight evenly, but if a student isn’t wearing it properly, the child can also cause harm to their body. For example, wearing only one shoulder strap can throw off one’s posture and contribute to various physical injuries.

What Features Does a Safe Backpack Offer?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using bags that feature wide, padded straps for each shoulder. If they are too narrow, they may cut off circulation and cause the child to make adjustments that lead to injury.

Choose a bag that offers many pockets, as this will help your student distribute weight evenly. Waist straps are another helpful feature that can help stabilize backpacks that are filled with books or projects for their next class.

Are Roller Bags Safer?

Despite popular belief, roller bags are not better on kids’ backs than standard book bags. Carrying these bags can cause children to develop poor posture. They might also lift it regularly, which can increase the risk of back injuries.

How Should My Child Use Their Backpack?  

Once you find a product that fits your child comfortably, encourage them to adopt safe habits. For example, these bags should never weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight. Using lockers and keeping extra books at home can help reduce the total weight they carry.

To prevent back pain, adjust your child’s bag to rest it close to the body and about two inches above the waist.

In addition to reassessing book bag use, consult a chiropractor if your child complains of back pain. Families in the Florissant, MO, community can turn to Get Well Family Chiropractic for comprehensive kid-friendly care. Backed with in-depth knowledge of the body and state-of-the-art techniques, they will accurately pinpoint the source of symptoms and develop custom treatment plans to assist with pain management. Visit this pain relief center online to learn more about their holistic care services, or call (314) 524-2580 to schedule an appointment.