As school ramps up, so does homework, which means your students could be carting more books and papers around in their backpacks. All that weight can wreak havoc on small and growing spines, so we asked Physical Therapist Andrea Johnson at OrthoCarolina Huntersville what we need to know about kids’ backpacks. Here’s what she had to say:
- Lugging backpacks can can cause neck, back and shoulder pain for young students (and adult learners), but it’s not just weight that’s to blame. You also need to check the size, fit and straps of the backpack to make sure it’s right for your child.
- Get the right size and fit for the backpack: the height of the backpack should fit from the shoulder (where the straps rest) to two inches past the waistline or belly button. Adjust the backpack’s straps so it’s not sagging too low. The width of the backpack should rest equally between that shoulder blades and not extend wider than the student’s trunk.
– A 60-pound student should not carry more than five pounds
– A 60-to-75-pound student can carry five-to-10 pounds
– A 100-pound student can carry 15 pounds
– A 125-pound student can carry 18 pounds
– A 150-pound student can carry 20 pounds
– A 200-pound student can carry 25 pounds
– No one should carry more than 25 pounds regardless of bodyweight
Andrea’s tips are based on recommendations from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If your child is complaining of neck, back or shoulder pain and it isn’t fixed by following one or more of the above tips, you should take him or her (and the backpack) to an orthopedic specialist to see if the backpack is to blame.
MEET OUR EXPERT
Andrea, originally from central Ohio, joined the OrthoCarolina team in the fall of 2014. Andrea’s education started at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio where she earned her B.S. in Athletic Training. She continued her education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Following completion of physical therapy school, Andrea completed the Ohio University/OhioHealth Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency where she received advanced education regarding evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions as well as assisted in teaching orthopedic and manual therapy in a doctoral level physical therapy program. Most recently, Andrea has expanded her knowledge by earning designation as an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Andrea has maintained her designation as a nationally certified and state licensed Athletic Trainer even though she now spends most of her time in the physical therapy clinic.
OrthoCarolina Huntersville
10030 Gilead Road Suite 140
704-323-2809
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