Backpacks are used for more than carrying just books and lunches. Today, your child may need to carry a laptop computer, gym clothes, and school supplies. All these extras add up in weight and may make their backpack too heavy for them to carry.
Many backpacks that appeal to children are ill-designed for the how much they need to carry. They may look pleasing, but they may not have the proper padding and support to keep them from developing chronic back problems.
Having Chronic Back Pain
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the extra weight in backpacks can lead to medical problems, especially muscle fatigue and strain. Backpacks can also cause injury if the weight of its contents adds up to more than 15% of their body weight.
In a study of children in middle school, researchers found that 37% reported back pain. A third of the students said that the pain limited them from doing some activities. Researchers also found that two factors were associated with less back pain—school locker availability and using a lighter backpack.
