| Now that school has begun again your child might begin experiencing neck, upper back, or shoulder pain, this pain could be caused by improper backpack fit. Often times this pain is from carrying too much weight in an ill-fitting backpack. ​Fortunately, the American Occupational Therapy Association offers a few tips to help: |
BACK to Basics…
- Do Not allow your child to carry more then 10-15% of their body weight.
- Do load the heaviest items in the back of the pack (closest to your back)
- Do arrange things so they will not slide around inside the backpack
- Do check what your child brings to school and home to ensure only the necessary items are packed.
- Do look into a backpack with wheels if their school allows it.
- Do use Both shoulder straps at All times
- Do pick a pack with padded shoulder straps.
- Do adjust the shoulder straps ensuring the backpack fits snugly to your child’s back.
- Do make sure the bottom of the backpack rests in the curve of your child’s lower back; never more than four inches below waistline.
If pain continues consult your primary care doctor or set up an appointment with a physical therapist to address pain.
