School Bags and Back Pain
Studies suggest that approximately 30% of school age children suffer some sort of back or neck pain.
Apart from the obvious “sit up straight’ mantra of parents the world over try these simple ideas:
- A bag is too heavy if the child has to adopt an uneven posture to bear its weight, or struggles to put it on, or take it off
- Always carry it across both shoulders (rucksack) and make sure there are no red marks across the shoulders at the end of the day
- Single strap bags should be worn across the body (as intended)
- Ask your child if he/she gets any tingling to the hands (straps may be too tight or the bag is too heavy)
- Bags should weigh no more than 10% of body weight
- Load the bag with the heaviest items closest to your back
- Best of all…try and get a locker to store the heavy items if possible
If your child is struggling with aches and pains then get in touch and we can assess their posture and give some helpful tips.