Incorrectly used backpacks can mean back-to-school pain

Stratford - Millions of children are heading back to school, with books, supplies and lunches tucked into backpacks that are slung over their shoulders. Although a convenient and popular way for children to carry textbooks, backpacks can cause pain or encourage the development of a chronic structural disease when used incorrectly. “It’s not usually the weight that children carry that causes problems; it’s the way they tend to carry that weight,” said Dr. David Mason, the acting chairman of the Department of Osteopathic Science at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine. “Backpacks that are carried over just one shoulder or too low on the back, can cause back pain because the muscles rather than the bones are supporting the weight. While the back pain may not last, this poor posture can contribute to scoliosis, which can lead to back problems throughout life.” Scoliosis, a condition commonly known as an abnormal curvature of the spine, frequently first begins to show up during the rapid growth spurts that occur in children from ages 10 through the adolescent years. Dr. Mason suggests the following for proper backpack use: · Choose backpacks that have wide, well-padded shoulder straps. · Always carry the backpack using one strap over each shoulder. · Adjust the backpack straps so that the bottom of the backpack is at least two inches above the waist. · Use the backpack’s waist strap to help distribute the weight. · Remove some excess weight from the pack.