This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Packing for School Without Pain: Backpack Basics for Students, Parents

With the school year now well underway, students everywhere are beginning the day by literally carrying everything they need for class on their backs. Yes, backpacks have always been popular for lugging all the books, paper, calculators and everything else students have to have. And all that added weight hanging off the back, especially those thick, heavy high school textbooks, can really take a toll on students’ health over time.

“When you jam as much as possible into your backpack you expect it weigh you down, but improperly carrying a heavy load day after day can produce significant shoulder and back problems,” said Dr. Marcus Talerico, M.D., a Board certified orthopaedic surgeon with MidAmerica Orthopaedics in Libertyville and former U.S. Navy staff orthopaedic surgeon. “Avoiding pain should be the first lesson of the day and knowing what to look for in a backpack as well as how to carry it can help avoid injury.”

In fact, the number of injuries backpacks cause may seem alarming. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cited recently by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 24,300 people (students and non-students) were treated for backpack-related injuries at hospitals and doctors offices in 2012. Even more eye-opening, over 9,500 of those treated were children between the ages of 5 - 18 years old.

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Backpacking Best Bets 

When picking out a backpack for your child, select one that’s the appropriate size – not too big for a younger student. Features backpacks should also have for making it easier to carry heavier loads include:

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Wide, padded shoulder straps
  • Padded backside (side resting on carrier’s back)
  • Made of lightweight material
  • Optional waist strap

Many backpacks also come with pull-up handles and wheels – ideal for students who’d rather pull heavier packs on rollers than carry them off their backs.

Some AAOS recommended backpack safety tips to also keep in mind are:

  • Limit the load students carry to no more than 15 – 20 percent of their body weight.
  • Always use two shoulder straps to evenly distribute weight across both shoulders, not just one.
  • Adjust shoulder straps so pack is closer to the back.
  • Pack heavier items lower and towards center of backpack.
  • When lifting backpacks to put on, always bend your knees and don’t lift with your back.

“Parents should also ask their kids if they’re experiencing numbness or tingling in the arms and legs – a big tip-off that the backpack is a poor fit or too much is being carried,” Dr. Talerico added. “And if it’s getting to be a struggle for your student to just get their loaded backpack on, then it’s really time to lighten the load, look for a better backpack or re-think what can be left at school instead of carried home.’

To learn more about back and shoulder safety, services available at MidAmerica Orthopaedics of Libertyville or to contact Dr. Talerico, please visit www.handtoshoulderclinic.com or call 1-855-4MY-ORTHO (1-855-469-6784).

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?