Backpacks are a great way for kids to carry all the essential items they need for a busy school day. But between books, homework, gym clothes and lunch, the load can get heavy pretty quickly.
Many parents have questions about backpack safety and often wonder whether carrying a heavy backpack can lead to spinal problems, such as scoliosis.
“Backpacks do not cause any long-term back problems or spine deformities, nor will they make them worse,” said Dr. Todd Ritzman, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Akron Children’s. “In many cases, we don’t know why these problems occur.”
While backpacks may not cause serious back problems, they can contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain, especially if a child is carrying too much weight for his size or the weight isn’t evenly distributed across his back.
Kids who have more sedentary lifestyles may be at increased risk for muscular pain because they aren’t routinely moving or stretching large muscle groups in their bodies.
An overweight backpack also can lead to poor posture or affect the way a child walks, putting her at increased risk of losing her balance and falling, especially on stairs or while boarding the bus.
Backpack safety tips
For safe backpack use, Dr. Ritzman offers these 8 tips:
When to call the doctor
If your child experiences back, shoulder or neck pain that doesn’t improve by following these steps, her backpack may not be the problem. Talk to your doctor if your child has pain that:
- Is persistent
- Increases in severity
- Wakes him at night
- Is accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
If your child does have a spine issue that concerns you, Akron Children’s Spine Center may be able to help.
