Backpack Safety

As a chiropractor and high school sports doctor, Dr. Jay McClanahan recognizes the importance of keeping kids safe from back pain. Now is the time when families are making back-to-school purchases, and knowing how to use the right backpack could make a big difference to kids’ well-being.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that backpacks never be filled to the point where they weigh more than 15% of the weight of the person wearing them. This means that people should avoid wearing backpacks with wheels and pull-out handles. Children will also need to plan when to swap out textbooks at their lockers and avoid carrying anything they don’t really need. A good way to tell if a backpack is too heavy is to observe whether a child strains when picking it up. If they do, some things need to be taken out.

It is also important to choose a backpack that can be worn correctly. The shoulder straps should be wide and padded, and there should be a strap across the chest. When the straps are tightened, the backpack should rest in the center of the upper back, but the straps should not be tight enough to cut off circulation to the arms. Both shoulder straps should always be worn and parents should ask their children whether they’ve experienced any pain in their backs, necks, or shoulders.

Dr. Jay McClanahan operates the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, West Virginia, 25143. To schedule an appointment, visit Dr J Back Doc WV or call 304-776-1520.