Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Backpack Safety
A backpack is a good item for carrying textbooks and other
everyday school items. However, as useful as a backpack can be, it can also
cause muscle and joint strain and back pain if its too heavy or worn
incorrectly. The weight of the backpack can pull a child (or adult) backward. To
adjust, the backpack wearer may bend forward at the hips or arch his or her
back, which can cause strain on the spine. Individuals who wear their backpacks
over just one shoulder may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra
weight. Any of this could lead to shoulder, neck, and back pain. Backpacks with
tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can cause tingling, numbness,
and weakness in the arms and hands.
Bulky or heavy backpacks don't just cause back, shoulder and neck injuries.
Carrying a heavy backpack changes the way a person walks and increases the risk
of falling, especially on stairs or other places where the backpack puts the
person off balance.
Despite their potential problems, backpacks are an excellent tool for children
when used properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that
parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:
A lightweight backpack. Leather backpacks often weigh more than canvas ones.
Wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. This not only provides
increased comfort, but also protects the wearer from being poked by sharp edges
on objects inside the pack.
A waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the
body.
Multiple compartments, which can also help spread out the weight more evenly.
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