Backpack Safety Tips

Therapeutic Associates

Share

For kids of all ages, back-to-school shopping typically includes picking out the perfect backpack. Every year brings new trends in colors, designs and popular cartoon or video game character depictions. The bag your student chooses will be with them everyday for the entire school year, so of course it’s important to let them pick something they love. It’s also important, however, to be sure the one they choose has the fit and features needed to protect their back, neck, and shoulders and keep their entire body feeling good so they are set up for success.

Focus on a functional fit.

When choosing a backpack, consider your child’s size and look for features that allow for adjustment. You can teach students about proper posture, but an ill-fitting or overweight backpack can make it impossible to maintain. Follow these tips to prevent injuries and pain.

Check in regularly.

Protecting a child’s back is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Carrying too heavy of a load or wearing a backpack that doesn’t fit correctly can cause a child to lean forward against the backward pull of the backpack. This can lead to significant pain and discomfort or even spinal compression or misalignment.

A physical therapist can help.

We know kids come in all shapes and sizes. Our therapists can help you assess your child's backpack fit, work to improve posture problems, increase muscle strength and stability and treat pain resulting from improper backpack fit and function.

Blog Posts You May Be Interested In

Ergonomics
Did you know that picking the right pillow for your body type and sleeping position can greatly impact how well you sleep?
ergonomics, pain relief, sleep
Ergonomics
Are you finding working or playing on your computer to be a pain in the neck — literally? Neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other conditions can result from poor computer workstation habits. Faulty computer habits can...
ergonomics, Posture
Ergonomics
Backpack Basics for Healthier Kids As the new school year begins, kids are once again strapping on their backpacks. And it’s not just kids; adults are also backpacking computers, personal items and even using backpacks as their briefcase. When used...
back pain, ergonomics, Neck pain, Posture

How can we help you today?