Going back to school brings with it the need to equip children with everything they need for a successful school year, and one of the most important elements is the backpack.
However, we often underestimate the importance of choosing and adjusting the backpack correctly, which can have a significant impact on the long-term health of children's backs.
The wrong choice or improper use of the backpack can cause postural problems and chronic pain.
Next, we'll explore why a well-fitting backpack is crucial to children's physical well-being.
The human spine is designed with three natural curves that help distribute weight and absorb impact during movement. These are the cervical curve (in the neck), the thoracic curve (in the middle of the back), and the lumbar curve (in the lower back).
Keeping these curves in their natural alignment is essential to prevent injuries and discomfort.
A poorly fitting backpack can alter these physiological curves, especially when the load is heavy or carried incorrectly.
For example, if a backpack is hung too low, it can increase lumbar curvature, causing a forward tilt that leads to muscle fatigue and, in the long term, back pain.
To respect the natural curves of the spine, it is essential that the backpack is well adjusted, with the straps placed so that the weight is evenly distributed and the backpack is at the height of the middle of the back, just above the waist line.
When the backpack is not used properly, it can not only alter the natural alignment of the spine, but also exaggerate physiological curves, leading to additional risks.
Long-term use of an ill-fitting or overly heavy backpack may exaggerate lumbar curvature = lumbar hyperlordosis, or chest curvature = hyperkyphosis. These alterations in posture can cause muscle imbalances, leading to a greater propensity for injuries, chronic pain and premature wear and tear on the vertebrae.
Another associated risk is scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves laterally in an “S” or “C” shape. Although idiopathic scoliosis (of unknown cause) is not directly caused by the use of backpacks, an ill-fitting backpack can exacerbate a pre-existing curvature or contribute to poor posture that, over time, could aggravate the condition.
In growing children, where the spine is still developing, it is especially important to monitor and correct any deviations in posture to prevent the development or progression of scoliosis.
One of the most common mistakes is overloading a child's backpack. Ergonomics and health experts recommend that the weight of the backpack does not exceed 10-15% of the child's body weight.
For example, if a child weighs 30 kg, the backpack should not weigh more than 3-4.5 kg. Exceeding this limit can cause postural imbalance, leading to unnecessary strain on the spine and long-term health problems.
In addition to respecting this weight limit, it is important to distribute the contents of the backpack well. Heavier objects should be placed close to the back so that the child's center of gravity is kept close to his own center of gravity. This reduces the need to lean forward, which could compromise column alignment.
Carrying a backpack on one shoulder is a common practice among children, but it is extremely harmful to their health. When the backpack is carried in this way, the child tends to compensate for the weight by tilting his body to the opposite side, causing a misalignment in the spine.
This compensation can lead to a uneven development of trunk and shoulder muscles, in addition to generating tension points that could lead to chronic back, neck and shoulder pain.
The nervous system, which runs along the spine, can also be affected. A misaligned posture and constant pressure on muscles and nerves can cause symptoms such as tingling, weakness in the arms, and in severe cases, more serious problems such as herniated discs.
Therefore, it is essential that children carry the backpack using both shoulders. This ensures an equitable distribution of weight, keeping the spine aligned and avoiding unnecessary strain on the nervous system.
A well-fitting backpack is much more than a school accessory, it's an essential tool for protecting children's physical health.
Make sure that The backpack respects the physiological curves of the spine, that the weight is well distributed and that it does not exceed 10-15% of the body weight, are key measures to avoid postural problems and chronic pain.
In addition, it is essential that children carry the backpack on both shoulders to avoid postural compensation and protect the integrity of the nervous system.
