Almost one in three teens have back pain and the frequency of back pain in children and teens is increasing. Research indicates that the improper use of the backpack is one of the causes and is responsible for poor postural habits that lead, among other things, to deformation of the spine.
This article recalls the importance of preventing back pain that can cause backpacks, especially in children under 16 years of age.
Parents and stakeholders, be attentive!
To avoid the harmful consequences that an overweight or ill-fitting school bag can cause, parents and school workers should be alert to the slightest signs of discomfort. If the child complains of pain or leans forwards or backwards while carrying his bag, if he uses his hands to carry his bag on his back or if his gait seems laborious, it is likely that her bag is too heavy or ill-adjusted.
You should take action if you notice that the child’s backpack is:
- Too heavy
- Too big
- Too long
- Poorly adjusted
- Poorly filled
- Worn over one shoulder
It is therefore important to adjust the backpack adequately in order to prevent the spine from positioning too far forward, backward or sideways, to strain the back, shoulder and back muscles. neck as well as causing pain.
While growing, the child’s body should not be subjected to stress that could affect it in the long term.
Back pain and backpack: good reflexes
Observing simple rules helps prevent back pain when using a backpack. Here are a few tips:
Choose a bag with a padded back, the width of the child’s back, with wide shoulder straps and narrower under the arms as well as multiple pockets to distribute the weight of the objects.
Place the heaviest objects close to the body, in the center of the bag, and pointed objects outwards to avoid pressure points.
Adjust the length of the straps to prevent the bag from coming down on the buttocks.
Check the weight of the bag. Once charged, it should not weigh more than 10% to 15% of the child’s weight .
Backache and backpack: weight
If despite these recommendations, your child has back pain after a few months and you have difficulty reducing the weight of the backpack, why not choose a backpack with wheels that he could use from time to time?
Simple instructions to remind your child from time to time
Attach the waist belt of the bag so that the weight rests on his hips and not on his shoulders.
Never carry your bag on one shoulder or across the body.
Do not attach your lunch box to the backpack. Advise him to hold it in his hand.
Sort your backpack entirely to get rid of unnecessary papers or objects that it accumulates over the days.
Does your child complain of constant back pain?
If however your child’s back pain persists, if he has neck or shoulder pain, a consultation with a physiotherapy professional practicing in pediatrics would be appropriate. He will be able to identify possible sources of the problem and prevent future problems from arising.
During the first visit, the professional will assess your child’s mobility, muscle strength and postural habits and will check for the possibility of a growth-related abnormality (for example: scoliosis ). Depending on the results of the assessment, he will give you advice and easy exercises, suitable for the child. The frequency of physiotherapy follow-ups will be determined according to the child’s condition and needs.
Healthcare Guide 