It’s back to school time and as much as you would like to avoid it, homework is inevitable. Many students will be carting books and binders to and from school for the semester. That can take a toll on anyone. Backpacks that are incorrectly fitting or too heavy may cause all types of orthopedic problems such as back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain.Here are some tips to keeping your student in top shape.
Backpack Choice
You might have already bought your backpack this year but if you are having discomfort, it might be time for a change. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) you should look for a backpack that has:
- Two Wide and padded shoulder straps
- Padded back
- Waist strap
- Light weight or rolling if your school allows
The AAOS also goes on to remind the wearer to always use both straps and tighten them to keep the load closer to the back. If possible, organize the heavier items towards the bottom and try to pack as light as possible.
For more information and additional tips for parents, please refer to the AAOS Backpack Safety Tips page: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
If you find yourself with a student suffering with neck, back or shoulder pain, we have a Urgent Care that is open after hours for your convenience.