Health warning as laden kids return to school

Media Release
3rd February 2010
School Backpacks Damaging Our
Children’s Spines

Health warning as heavy laden kids return to school

The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association has called on parents to check the weight of their children’s school backpacks following publication of a study which shows the typical load carried to and from school is causing compression of the spinal discs and spinal curvature.

According to a study by Dr. Timothy Neuschwander of the University of California, San Diego, published in the latest issue of the international clinical journal Spine1, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans show how serious the damage to children can be.

Dr Simon Kelly, spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association explains: ‘Two key spinal measurements change as the backpack load increases. Heavier weights cause compression of the intervertebral discs, which act as a cushion between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). In the lower spine, the disc height became smaller (reflecting greater disc compression) at heavier backpack weights. Heavier loads were also associated with increased curvature of the lower spine, either to the right or the left.’

Half of the children had a significant spinal curve even with an 18 lb weight. Most of the children had to adjust their posture to bear the 26 lb backpack load.

Limiting loads to less than 10 percent of the child's body weight can help prevent back pain and buying the right size bag is important. But a survey just released by the Chiropractors Associaton of Australia (CAA) found that almost half of all children carried bags well over the 10 percent recommendation.
‘Backpacks are best, but make sure they're not too big or too heavy,’ says Dr Kelly. ‘Most kids are carrying too much weight in their backpacks. In fact, with large textbooks, sports gear and laptops all in the one bag, the weight kids are carrying often exceeds recommendations for adult weight bearing in the workplace.’

Dr Kelly says children need to learn how to pack their bags, lift and wear them properly.

‘We recommend parents invest in a good quality, ergonomic backpack with wide shoulder straps. The bag should be no longer than the wearer's torso - from the base of the neck to the hips.’

Dr Kelly advises parents to keep an eye on their children's posture when wearing their backpacks.

‘If they're leaning forward, the bag is too heavy, poorly fitted or badly packed. Make sure heavier items are at the bottom of the bag, closer to the child's centre of gravity.’

‘Don't buy a small child a big bag hoping they'll grow into it. They will always try and fit as much in there as they can.

‘Make sure they carry their backpacks on both shoulders to spread the load and always check that the bag you're buying meets their approval. If it's not cool, they won't wear it!’

NZCA 10 GOLDEN RULES FOR BACKPACKS
1. Buy backpacks with wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Padded straps help absorb the load while narrow straps can dig painfully into shoulders.
2. Look for a backpack with ‘S’ shaped shoulder straps. These will ergonomically contour to a child's body.
3. Choose a backpack with a moulded frame and/or adjustable hip strap so the weight of the full backpack will rest on the child's pelvis rather than their shoulders or spines.
4. Be sure the backpack is the right size. It should not be wider or longer than your child's torso, (i.e. from the bony bump at the base of the neck down to the top of the hips.)
5. Pack heavy items so they are closest to the child's back and make sure they can't move around. It is important to be balanced in the natural centre of gravity.
6. Make sure the child understands that carrying a backpack over one shoulder will cause back pain and possible injury.
7. Consider the weight of the backpack when empty. Canvas bags are lighter than leather.
8. Suggest to children that they use lockers to store unneeded books and sports equipment.
9. Don't try to save money by buying the biggest pack 'to last through college' - buy one that is appropriate to the child's size, and one they approve of.
10. Chiropractic care can help. If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your chiropractor (visit www.chiropractic.org.nz for a list of NZCA members). They are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages. They can also prescribe exercises to strengthen muscles and advise on posture.

The chiropractic profession in both Australia and New Zealand endorse Chiropak Schoolbags made by Spartan Bags. The bags, which were developed at the Macquarie University's Department of Health and Chiropractic, are ergonomically designed and reduce muscle fatigue and stress on the spine.
They have an internal spine which can be adjusted to mould to the carrier's back, contoured adjustable shoulder and chest straps, waist straps with hip pads, split compartments and compression straps to centre the contents of the pack and extra padding for comfort.

ends

© Scoop Media