Recent studies have shown that 64% of children suffer from back pain. Most cases can be traced to overloaded or ill fitting backpacks or other school bags. Learning to load, wear and use a backpack properly is important and so is making sure the backpack distributes the load efficiently.
If you have determined that the best book bag for your child is an ERGONOMIC backpack, then here are the key features to look for:
1. Two Straps: Make sure the bag has two straps. Single strapped bags, like satchels and duffel bags, should be avoided. A single strap places the entire load on one side of the body. Two straps balance the load on both shoulders. A single strap bag is sufficient for carrying light loads, like a change of clothes, but should not be used to carry any real weight.
2. Size: The second most important thing is to have the right size bag. The bag should be no larger than the child's back. It should rest 1-2 inches below the shoulders and no more than 4 inches below the height of child's belly button.
3. Wide, Padded Straps: The bag should have wide shoulder straps. Wide straps distribute the load over more area of the shoulder. The wider the better, with a minimum width of 2 inches. The straps should also be padded. Padding spreads the load as well as alleviates any pressure points.
4. Padded Back: The back should be padded as well. It will alleviate any pressure points. And it will protect the back from being poked and prodded by what is loaded in the bag.
5. Lightweight: The bag should be light. The lighter the better. The stress on the back is caused by the weight of the bag. Anything you can do to reduce that weight will reduce the stress.
6. Hip Strap: A hip strap is a wonderful thing. It dramatically helps direct the load away from the shoulders and onto the bones of the pelvis, which can accommodate the load much more easily. Less stress on the back means less chance of back pain.
7. Compartments: Having a bag with several compartments helps in two ways. First, it helps keep the load where you put it. A properly loaded backpack can go a long way to reducing the stress. Furthermore, a shifting load means a shifting (dynamic) stress. Dynamic stresses are bad. Second, it lets you put flat things next the the back and pointy objects away from the back.
8. Chest Strap: A strap across the chest from shoulder strap to shoulder strap is a small, but worthwhile improvement. It holds the shoulders straps securely on the main part of the shoulder eliminating slippage and load shifting. It also fights the urge to slouch.
Now all you have to do is get your child to actually wear the backpack with both straps on both shoulders! Many kids, especially teenagers, carry a backpack on one shoulder only. This will cause the one shoulder to raise, the body to be unbalanced, and increased muscle stress. If they are not willing to do it all the time, hopefully you can convince them to wear it properly when they are walking longer distances (e.g,. to and from school).
And try to get them to "lighten their load" whenever possible. (See Monthly Tips below.)
