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Is Your Child's Backpack Too Heavy?

By Dr. Chris Suhrbier October 15, 2014
Everyday parents do things for their children. We do laundry, make healthy meals, but there is one thing we can't do for our children and that is carry their bookbags for them throughout their day. Is your child's bookbag too heavy?

Most pediatric doctors recommend bookbags not be more than 10-15% of the child's own body weight. So, a child who weighs 80 pounds should not have a bookbag that weighs more than 12 pounds. 

Understand there can be consequences for children carrying heavy bookbags. Let's look at what happens in the spine. The spine is made up of vertebra: seven in the cervical or neck region, 12 in the thoracic or mid-back region and five in the lower back.  Between each of the vertebra are little cushions called discs. If a child has a bag that is too heavy, pressure will be placed on these discs, causing pain in the neck, shoulders or lower back.

The same result can happen if a bag isn't positioned properly on a child's back.  Bags should be positioned evenly wearing the bag over BOTH shoulders, and straps should be tightened so the bag isn't hanging below the lower back. Muscle imbalance can occur if a bag isn't positioned properly. Short-term consequences can be muscle spasm and back pain, long-term could result in development of back problems later in life.

Tips for Easing the Load

Make sure the bag itself isn't heavy, some bags have wheels which can add convenience to a degree, however, it is difficult to carry up steps or through snow. Some schools also do not allow backpacks with wheels.

Children should try to make more frequent stops at their lockers or desks to reduce the amount of books they must carry throughout the day.

They should talk with their teachers to see if pages could be photocopied instead of bringing the entire book home, or see if there are other options.

Chiropractic care is a great way for kids to maintain their spinal health. It's safe, natural and drug free. I've adjusted all three of my children since birth, and I feel it's helped them to stay healthy. 



Dr. Chris Suhrbier has been in practice since 1998. He is a second generation chiropractor graduating from Life Chiropractic College. His practice encourages family care and nutrition.