Backpack Safety

Now that kids are going back to school, many of them have resumed wearing backpacks. Unfortunately, this means that many of them are also now at risk for developing back and shoulder pain. Since backpack usage is also common among adults, we at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield thought this would be an especially good time to address how to wear backpacks safely.

With two straps and the ability to distribute weight evenly across the chest, backpacks are a much better option than shoulder bags or handbags. But the straps need to be wide and padded, and the chest strap needs to be used. The straps should all be snug enough to keep the backpack positioned in the center of the upper back, not hanging down to the lumbar region. If the wearer feels pins or numbness in their arms and shoulders, the straps are too tight.

One of the biggest dangers of backpacks is that they will be overloaded. They should never weigh more than fifteen percent of the user’s bodyweight. The easiest way to avoid going above this limit is to only wear backpacks that are small. People should also avoid getting backpacks that have wheels or pull-out handles unless they will really be using those features on a frequent basis. Children will have to plan their schedules to give themselves enough time to visit their lockers and swap out books every few periods. If this is your child’s first year traveling between classes, ask them if they are doing this and whether they are experiencing any back problems.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.