8 in 10 Children Have Increased Chances Of Back Pain Due to Heavy School Bags
Mumbai: The backpack is an important part of the child’s school life. Unfortunately, the excess weight of essentials put into an improperly worn backpack may induce back pain in school-going children aged 6-16. Nowadays, growing incidences of back pain are a matter of concern in children as their musculoskeletal health gets compromised due to negative effects on the spine and they can experience mobility problems during adulthood. Remember, a child’s backpack should not weigh more than 15% of the body weight. Children should use bag packs made of dual straps, and ensure to wear both straps to evenly distribute the weight on each shoulder to prevent back pain.
Back pain is not a common occurrence in adults but even in school-going children. “Excessive Back pain is not only linked to the child’s spinal problems but even poor posture because of a heavy school bag. Heavy backpacks take a toll on the child’s spine, musculoskeletal system, and posture. Hence, the spine tends to lean to the opposite side, pressurizing the back, ribs, and lower back, making one prone to muscle strain, muscle spasms, and debilitating back pain in children aged 6-16. 8 in 10 school-going children may experience back pain and may have symptoms such as tingling, numbness, red marks, changed improper posture due to heavy bags that can interfere with their daily routine. Children will be unable to focus on their studies and may struggle with poor academic performance. Moreover, heavy bags also cause rounding of shoulders and curves in the upper back raising the risk of shoulder and neck pain. It is essential to make sure that the child’s bag is not heavy enough to cause back pain that can steal his/her peace of mind. A child’s backpack should not weigh more than 15% of the body weight,” said Dr Sameer Ruparel, Lilavati Hospital, best spine surgeon in Mumbai
Dr Sameer Ruparel added, “The ideal weight for children in classes 1-2 should be around 1 kg, while children in classes 3 to 5 should use weights between 2.5 – 2.7 kg. For children in classes 6 -8, the recommended weight range is between 3.8 – 4 kg, and for children in classes 9 -10, the weight should be around 5 kg, and the bag should not hang below the waist, if it does then that means the bag is heavy. To avoid back pain, children should wear bags securing both straps. Wearing a backpack over one shoulder will make one lean to one side to compensate for the uneven weight, and the spine can get curved and some can suffer from scoliosis. Children are advised to wear bags properly.”
“Bend using both knees instead of the waist while wearing the bag. Leaning forward while wearing a back will mean the bag is heavy. To distribute the weight properly, keep the heaviest items inside the backpack low and at the center of the back. The child should walk straight with an erect spine while he/she is wearing a heavy backpack. Use a bag with wider straps, multiple sections, waist belt. The bag pack should be lightweight enough to ensure the child can carry it easily. Also, the child needs to stay active by doing regular stretches and exercises to prevent back pain. Parents should see that they take the children for regular check-ups and if detected with back pain, take physiotherapy to strengthen the back muscles,” concluded Dr Sameer Ruparel, Spine Surgeon Lilavati Hospital, best spine specialist in Mumbai.