Submitted by Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center

With another school year upon us, the hustle and bustle of getting ready becomes a priority. With all the books, gadgets, and supplies that are required of students, it is important to make sure that they not only have a well-designed backpack, but also one that is properly-fitted and correctly worn.

It is estimated that over 35 million students head off each day with backpacks. The problem for most of these students is that the backpack is slung over one shoulder. Over half of these students, roughly 20 million, are carrying twice the recommended weight in their backpack. This results in stress injuries and spinal pain that can worsen with age and pre-dispose them to lifelong chronic conditions.

According to the North American Spine Society and the American Chiropractic Association, over half of their member physicians reported seeing children, teens, or young adults suffering from back pain or spine trauma caused by an overloaded or improperly worn backpack. Conditions range from cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (lower back region) strains to spondylolysis (a stress fracture in a vertebrae). In addition, many physicians also reported seeing patients complaining of shoulder, elbow, and hip pain and discomfort.

Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load evenly over the body’s strongest muscles. The risk of injury occurs when the backpack is too heavy or worn incorrectly. Experts recommend that the weight carried in the backpack not exceed 10 to 15 percent of the student’s body weight.

Backpacks are a popular and practical way to carry schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day. If the proper guidelines are used, the risk of injury diminishes greatly. Parents are encouraged to see that the weight of the backpack is within range and that the proper wearing of the backpack is followed. In addition, they should also observe the child and ask if there is any discomfort. If their child complains of pain, it is recommended that they be seen by a chiropractor, who can assess if any injury has taken place.

For more information on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, chiropractic care, and physical rehabilitation, please contact Shawn Bladel, D.C. at Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center, 2406 E. Washington St. in Bloomington. Dr. Bladel offers food sensitivity testing through the Lifestyle program “Nourish.” To learn more, contact them at 309-662-8418, or visit them online at www.EastlandChiro.com.

^{Photo credit: Steve Debenport/iStock}

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Backpack

• Wide, padded shoulders with two straps
• Waist strap
• Lightweight material
• Rollers or rolling backpack is ideal

Guidelines to Preventing Injury

• Always use both straps
• Tighten the straps
• Have heavy items closest to your back
• Lift properly
• Never sling over one shoulder