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How Heavy Is That Backpack?


Bottom Line:
Even though an iPad can store an entire library worth of books, most children still attend each day carrying an oversized and overweight backpack filled with heavy textbooks. While it may not seem like a big deal, recent studies have shown that carrying the weight of a typical backpack is one of the top reasons why children suffer with back pain.

A vast majority of children wear rucksacks every day that, on average, weigh 15 lbs or more. That’s a heavy bag for a small child! Over time the stress of the load can result in back pain, a rounding of the shoulders and postural changes. The spinal compression caused by a heavy school bag often has children leaning forward to compensate, which begins a vicious cycle of postural issues, compensation and pain.

Here are a few key facts:
  • Up to 30% of kids may suffer from back pain due to carrying a heavy backpack.
  • Limiting the total weight of the backpack to less than 10% of your child’s body weight is recommended.
  • Instruct your child to wear their backpack with both shoulder straps fit snugly, so the backpack isn’t carried below the waistline

Children typically choose their school bag based on the color, design and what will look best. Here at the AMI Clinic, when seeing younger patients who are suffering with back pain the weight of their school bag is something we often question, especially when there are no other underlying issues contributing to the pain. We recommend taking a second look and making sure the straps are wide and padded, the size is appropriate (and not too big), and that it has compartments to help distribute the load evenly.

Book Yourself In:
Visit the AMI Clinic in Bedford to get yourself checked and corrected!
Call us: 01234 307565

Follow Us:
Website: amiclinics.co.uk

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Location: 17 Ampthill Rd, Bedford MK42 9JP, UK

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