Backpacks - A Pain in the Back
If you find your child complaining about the weight of his backpack, it may be time to listen and take action. Backpacks can get very heavy when they are filled with books, lunches, and other items. Heavy backpacks can cause strain and pain to the neck, shoulder, and back.
Your child should not carry more than 10-20% of his own body weight in their backpack. This is doubly true if your child walks to or from school.
How can you tell if your child’s backpack is too heavy?
If your child complains of back pain, his backpack may be too heavy. Also, if he walks practically bent all the way forward just to adjust for the weight on his back, his backpack if probably too heavy. Does he complain of numbness or tingling in his hands or arms? Is he carrying more than 10% of his body weight in his backpack? These are all signs that your child’s backpack may be too heavy.
How can I minimize the impact of a backpack on my child?
Tags: back pain, backpack, childs backpack, neck pain, school backpack, school backpacks, school pack
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